A Microsoft store in Boston.
(Credit:
Jim Kerstetter/CNET)
Microsoft unveiled the first six locations for its next wave of retail stores for next year.
The company has been in the middle of a broader transformation to further connect with consumers beyond its Windows software. That has included moving even further into the hardware business with its own
tablet, the Surface, going beyond its
Xbox 360 video game console and the ill-fated
Zune media player. A key part of that strategy has been its growing chain of retail stores, which give it a chance to directly interact with people.
Geekwire was the first to spot the announcement. Here's a list:
The Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas
Dadeland Mall, Miami, Fla.
Beachwood Place, Beachwood, Ohio
Westfield San Francisco Centre, San Francisco
City Creek Center, Salt Lake City
St. Louis Galleria, St. Louis.
Here's a list of all of the Microsoft stores.
The company opened up a number of "pop-up" stores throughout the country during the holiday season, part of a broader effort to push its new Windows 8 operating system and the Surface tablet. It has roughly 40 stores throughout the country.
Microsoft is attempting to emulate Apple's success in the retail arena, where its stores command impressive foot traffic and sales. Apple, in comparison, has 250 stores in the U.S. and 140 stores abroad, with average revenue per store of $51.5 million in fiscal 2012, up 19 percent from a year ago.
Microsoft forges ahead with retail store expansion plans
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Microsoft forges ahead with retail store expansion plans
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Microsoft forges ahead with retail store expansion plans
