They say the imitation is the highest sign of flattery and in this case, as in other cases, Microsoft imitates a lot. It was not enough to follow Apple in the operating systems graphical UI, not enough to follow Apple in the music players field, not enough to follow Apple in music market field…they had to do it in the physical retail stores field too.
Tomorrow is the start of a new competition with Apple – retail – and it does so by opening the first world’s Microsoft specific store in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The store will be opening tomorrow, Thursday Oct 22, at 10 AM (Arizona – Mountain Time) in Scottsdale Fashion Square, a high end shopping mall.
Scottsdale is part of Phoenix Metro area and because I am living in Phoenix I will try to be present at the event and send news from there (or right after it).
Scottsdale is an upscale neighborhood and it’s considered the “rich people’s town” around here which could explain why it was chosen by Microsoft (good demographics).
In this store Microsoft will sell the company’s products such as software, games, Zune, Xbox as well as some other companies products which are Microsoft’s partners (computers and mobile phones running Microsoft software).
In the same mall Sony has a retail store and Apple has retail stores around Phoenix area too.
This launch coincides with Windows 7 launch and for this Microsoft didn’t spare anything. They’ll give free gifts to the first 1,000 people including free tickets for the concert of the singer/actress Ashley Tisdale (set for 5 PM Arizona time).
Come back tomorrow for more news (and maybe video) about this event!
Mircea,
Find me when you get here. I’m around helping out PR. @tacanderson
It will be very interesting when Microsoft employees have to face customers in person to explain why Windows slows down more everyday. A fresh install boots is 30 seconds, six months later that is 90 seconds and why the problematic registry is still around in Windows 7.
Another huge problem is the inability for one to diagnose performance issues in Windows, things like programs are allowed to install and start services that have no name, etc..
Unfortunately, I am on my way to an Apple, a face lift on the taskbar is not compelling change.
I guess it will take decades to get rid of that registry from Windows…
All in all, it was a successful launch of the first MS store. I’ll post a video from the event later…
Please tell me approx where your location in Fashion Sq is? Not familiar with that huge Mall and could spend much time looking….would also like to park somewhat close. But location as to upper level or lower next to which storeswould be of help.
Look at this video: http://thenextweb.com/2009/10/24/microsofts-store-scottsdale-arizona-usa-video/
The parking is right near the mall (on the right, where that antenna truck is in the video).
The store is a the second level on the opposite side as you see that waterfall…but you will see the big Microsoft banner as you look in the center of the mall.
I guess we didn’t manage to meet, Tac…maybe another time.