Microsoft to open own stores, take on rivals Apple and Sony

[Soulburner]

Microsoft to open own stores, take on rivals Apple and Sony

http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...e_N.htm?csp=34

SEATTLE (Reuters) — Microsoft announced plans Thursday to open its own chain of branded stores as it looks to catch up with rival Apple's successful move into retailing.
The world's largest software company, which also makes the Xbox video game console and the Zune digital music player, did not say how many stores it was looking to open, or when, or which of its products would be on sale.

That is to be decided by David Porter, a former DreamWorks Animation executive, which Microsoft named as its new vice president of retail stores.

Turner, a former Wal-Mart Stores manager, will report to Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner.

The long-rumored move to open stores comes as consumer spending is under severe pressure due to the recession, which has already pushed electronics chain Circuit City into bankruptcy. A similar attempt by computer maker Gateway to open its own stores some years ago was not successful.

Microsoft, bruised by the poor reception of its latest Vista operating system, is facing increased competition from Apple, which is eating into the personal computer market and dominates the personal digital music player market with its iPod line.

Apple's stylish stores, now numbering more than 200 worldwide, have been crucial in attracting customers in recent years.

[Telperion]

And... what computers will they show off?

If they're smart they'll partner with some boutique lines so they have some actual computers to show and not just a Zune.

[Envydia007]

Apple is different, they have a whole bunch of products. So M$ will just sell Xboxes and Zunes? LOL

[[XC] gomeler]

They'll sell Xboxs, Zunes, and I imagine Vista-ready PCs. Something really cool would be Microsoft building their own computers that work flawlessly with Windows. Basically take the Apple model of closed-platform OS and hardware and but leave it possible for anyone to install Windows on x86 processors. Partner with somebody like Dell and release two or three PC lines, a workstation, a desktop, and a laptop.

[570091D]

They'll sell Xboxs, Zunes, and I imagine Vista-ready PCs. Something really cool would be Microsoft building their own computers that work flawlessly with Windows. Basically take the Apple model of closed-platform OS and hardware and but leave it possible for anyone to install Windows on x86 processors. Partner with somebody like Dell and release two or three PC lines, a workstation, a desktop, and a laptop.

this seems to me to be the most likely (and most profitable) course for mightysoft. they'll probably coincide the opening of the first store with the launch of windows 7.

maybe they'll even develope a netbook or htpc based on the ion... that might give job's mob something to think about.

[sno.lcn]

They'll sell Xboxs, Zunes, and I imagine Vista-ready PCs. Something really cool would be Microsoft building their own computers that work flawlessly with Windows. Basically take the Apple model of closed-platform OS and hardware and but leave it possible for anyone to install Windows on x86 processors. Partner with somebody like Dell and release two or three PC lines, a workstation, a desktop, and a laptop.

Good call Chris, but I still see this as a little absurd

[JAWS]

I'm not sure I would ever buy anything from a Microsoft store, but I'm a geek so bring it on. I love looking at PC hardware and Games.

[Kingcarcas]

I suspect they will fall flat on their face...

[Nanometer]

I'm not sure I would ever buy anything from a Microsoft store, but I'm a geek so bring it on. I love looking at PC hardware and Games.

what makes you so quick to decide you wouldnt buy a microsoft product? you didnt even see what they had to offer yet lol, am i feeling a distaste in microsoft?

[situman]

Well look at Nintendo stores. They sell nothing but consoles and games and nothing else. MS can turn their store into a giant promotion/selling center.

[eleeter]

Will they paint the walls blue so a BSOD doesn't stand out so much?

[Serra]

I'm skeptical about the potential for success, but at the same time I hope it works out. I guess we'll have to wait and see how the product line rolls out and how the stores are marketed.

[dinos22]

And... what computers will they show off?

If they're smart they'll partner with some boutique lines so they have some actual computers to show and not just a Zune.

Sony maybe
afterall they are the biggest rival to Apple in PC world design wise hehehehe











joking ofcourse heh

[IFMU]

am i feeling a distaste in microsoft?

What? a distaste for M$ on a PC site? No way, I don't buy it....

[MaxxxRacer]

They will do well so long as they let you play Xbox 360, listen to music on the zunes and browse the net on the computers. Why do you think people go into the Apple store? Its not to buy anything. Most people are just there to play with the toys. And the xbox360 is a very fun toy.

[ExodusC]

Selling Zunes and Xbox 360s, as well as accessories for both is a good start.

If they start selling decently priced Vista and Windows 7 PCs (maybe sell partner's PCs like Dell, HP, etc) that could also take up some shelf space.

Even in an economic downturn like this, people still will buy cheap PCs.

I do think Microsoft will need to offer an incentive over other retail stores if they want to be successful with this.

[Sparky]

Will they paint the walls blue so a BSOD doesn't stand out so much?

[eleeter]

If Apple is smart (and they are) they will hire a bunch of "I'm a PC" look-alikes to hang around the Microsoft stores.

I don't think this is a good move by Microsoft, they are trying to clone Apple's retail store success and I don't like their chances. On the plus side, when your Xbox360 goes red rings on you it could be convenient.

[AndrewL1950]

If Apple is smart (and they are) they will hire a bunch of "I'm a PC" look-alikes to hang around the Microsoft stores.

I don't think this is a good move by Microsoft, they are trying to clone Apple's retail store success and I don't like their chances. On the plus side, when your Xbox360 goes red rings on you it could be convenient.

They tried to clone Sony's success in the game market, now the 360 is the leading hardcore gamer platform, and the Ps3 as become a running joke (and a great Blu Ray player).

I have Apple products, and Microsoft products, but some of these lame jokes need to stop.

BSOD, RROD? Do you guys live in the past? Do you go outside? RROD hasn't been a big issues since Microsoft's third version of the 360 hardware. I have yer to get a BSOD while running Vista.

I think it's time for people to make up some new jokes.

Also, if Apple was smart, they wouldn't hire "PC-guys" to hang around Micorsoft stores. Paying stereotypes to loiter in a competitors store is a great way to get sued if your plan gets leaked.

[eleeter]

.

Lighten up a bit. I like Microsoft, just taking cheap shots because I can, and MS is wildly rich and suspenseful they can handle it.

I remain unconvinced that MS can make a retail store a success.

[XS Janus]

I think it's just a front so they can promote their online app store...
That's the real cash cow!

[naokaji]

I suspect the main focus of the microsoft stores will be the xbox 360 and games /accessoires for it.

People don't buy a new os often enough to justify a retail store that sells mostly os's and as far as the zune goes, well, atleast in europe you would not even admit having one (or any mp3 player except for the ipod) as doing so would destroy any social standing you might have and I doubt it's much better in the us.

[osiris999]

I suspect the main focus of the microsoft stores will be the xbox 360 and games /accessoires for it.

People don't buy a new os often enough to justify a retail store that sells mostly os's and as far as the zune goes, well, atleast in europe you would not even admit having one (or any mp3 player except for the ipod) as doing so would destroy any social standing you might have and I doubt it's much better in the us.

i could careless about the ipod. no one i know cares what mp3 player people have. they are all pretty much the same no matter how many features one might have they all play songs the same.

[RaZz!]

I suspect the main focus of the microsoft stores will be the xbox 360 and games /accessoires for it.

People don't buy a new os often enough to justify a retail store that sells mostly os's and as far as the zune goes, well, atleast in europe you would not even admit having one (or any mp3 player except for the ipod) as doing so would destroy any social standing you might have and I doubt it's much better in the us.

the ipod is way too overrated. a lot of my friends own ipods and were f-ing proud of it ("hey look, i got an ipod!"). then i came with my 130€ meizu m6, enabled some very neat features of the integrated DSP and all of them went like "[emo-mode]oww, man, the sound of that thing is amazing compared to my ipod =([/emo-mode]".

and it really is. hands down, the sound quality of the ipods is horrible. the most important thing about a mp3 player for me is sound quality.

but now let's get back to topic:
i think ms really has some chances with such stores. someone already mentioned that people visit apple stores not to buy things but to see them, play with them and get a clue of how they look & feel.
that's probably the main point of ms' plan as well: promote their products and convince people of how good their products are.

ms got the money, they got the marketing and they also have a good product portfolio. so why not?

[Soulburner]

RROD? Do you guys live in the past? Do you go outside? RROD hasn't been a big issues since Microsoft's third version of the 360 hardware.

Sorry, RROD is still an issue, even for Elite owners.