July 29, 2009

Microsoft plans to open a retail store in Scottsdale, Arizona as well as one in Mission Viejo, California and already has leases in both spots, according to a CNet report. "We are on track to open stores in the fall timeframe in Scottsdale, AZ at Scottsdale Fashion Square and Mission Viejo, CA at the Shops at Mission Viejo," a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed with Ars.

The Shops at Mission Viejo is a mall that already houses an Apple retail store, which is in line with what Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner said this month: some locations would be near Apple stores. The first stores will be opening this fall, which isn't accidental timing given that Windows 7 is being launched on October 22, 2009, as Microsoft will of course want to offer the operating system in its own stores.

Redmond refused to give details on Microsoft Stores in other locations, though Microsoft did say it plans to open stores outside the US eventually. Prototypes and concepts for the Microsoft Store recently leaked to the Web. Microsoft first confirmed the retail stores in February 2009 when the company announced it had hired David Porter as corporate vice president of Retail Stores.

Source:-Arstechnica.com