The Verge are reporting that Microsoft are to launch a retail store next March in London.
The company recently registered a PLC in the UK and may open further stores across the country, although the location of the London store has yet to be finalised.
This will put Microsoft in direct competition with the Apple stores and Sony Centres, an interesting move when many companies are retreating from the UK high street and going online.
bmg_123
Hey Microsoft, put one in the fledgeling town that is Aylesbury if you can afford it, because at least you won’t have any competition there!
colmshan1990
Interesting…
Microsoft have an even smaller hardware range than Apple, don’t they?
Or am I forgetting something obvious?
Still, even if it just functions as a showcase for the different Windows computers (from non-MS manufacturers), Xboxes, Surfaces, etc it’d be an interesting shop to visit.
MrSpeedyGonzales
The only products I can think of that Microsoft make and sell are the Xbox 360 and this new tablet of theirs. Unless I’m mistaken, all there other products (i.e. Windows phone and laptops) are make by other companies. It does seem a very strange move.
Forrest_01
But if it is microsoft windows enabled tech, they may strike a deal with other companies where they can sell that too.
parryman
I can see one on regents street, but not on High Stree England.
And then only as a ‘look at what we gots’ way, not in a make lots of money way.
It will only be able to sell xbox’s, surfaces and boxed software, unless they start selling laptops too, which is unlikely.
stage1
Not interested at all, but good for others who are.
The Lone Steven
I’m not sure MS has enough hardware products in order to give Apple a run for their cash. Software wise, they have an excellent chance at outselling Apple on the high street due to the amount of people that use Windows OS and windows office. I wonder if MS will do discounts in store for the 360? I think we should get Tuffcub to give us a report on the actual shop when it opens. ;)
Bilbo_bobbins
Right, I guess its someone for people to take back their broken consoles. Well done Microsoft.
jayjay119
Seems like a pretty good plan. Like is said, Apple and Sony both have stores… I’m surprised it took this long actually.
sparkyscrum
Think it will be good for them to have a high street presence. After all online is good for nice you’ve choosen your device but you need to see and handle devices prior to buying. Look at the Apple shops and people happy to handle the device in the deciding phase then likely buy online once a good deal is found.