-
Wow, Microsoft actually opened a retail store. I think this was a very good move. Part of the reason Apple opened stores was because at the time there weren’t many places to buy Macs, and they were usually stuffed into a corner at the places that did sell them. The Apple store put their products front and center. Microsoft doesn’t really need this. Their products are front and center everywhere, even Wal-Mart.
However, the store does give Microsoft a chance to show the best parts of their products in a way the can control. At Best Buy, Microsoft isn’t really in control of the shopper’s experience. Every time I see their products there or at a similar store I feel that I’m seeing cheap, mass produced crap. I have a similar feeling when I see iPods at Wal-Mart or in vending machines. However, when I walk into an Apple store, that same iPod is on display like it’s a sculpture, and the best part is that all of the demo units are working.
With the Microsoft Store, they have the chance to show off their wares in the same manner as Apple. Not only can I just walk in and try anything, they will have people working there who know what they’re talking about and who will be able to show me all the cool things I can do with Windows 7 of a Zune HD.
I’m hoping Boston (or wherever I’m living a year from now) is on the future stores list.
