Microsoft is planning to open the first of its planned retail stores next to existing Apple stores this fall.
Kevin Turner, Microsoft’s Chief Operating Officer, told partners the news during his Worldwide Partner Conference keynote on July 15. A number of attendees tweeted Turner’s words immediately.
Microsoft officials announced in February that Microsoft was planning to open retail stores but have offered few details since that time as to what the stores would look like or when they’d open. I did hear from some Softies that the stores wouldn’t be clones of Apple’s, and that they’d be more showcases than actual retail outlets.
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A Microsoft spokesperson provided the following statement, for what it’s worth:
“As we progress on our retail strategy there will be scenarios where we have stores in proximity to Apple. We are on track to open stores in the Fall timeframe. Beyond that we have no additional details to share.”
So Microsoft is finally getting into retail.
There is a fundamental difference between Microsoft and Apple that will be exposed through this — Apple has lots of shiny hardware to show off and sell. Microsoft makes Zunes, peripherals and software. What computer hardware will Microsoft carry, if any? How will it be decided which brands get floor space and which brands don’t?