Rumor: Microsoft Will Launch Own Retail Stores Options

[Xbox-Scene]

Rumor: Microsoft Will Launch Own Retail Stores Posted by XanTium | April 14 00:28 EST | News Category: Xbox360

From trustedreviews.com: [QUOTE] It may not seem like something the general public has been crying out for, but Microsoft has apparently decided to begin opening its own retail stores. Citing "our sources close to Microsoft", Fudzilla claims the Yahoo chaser desperately wants to establish a retail market presence to build interest and desirability around its products, much in the same way Apple has done so successfully. A full catalogue of Microsoft only products will allegedly be stocked in these stores ranging from PC peripherals such as mice and webcams to its Zune MP3 player line, Xbox 360 games console, Windows Mobile based handsets and core software offerings. [/QUOTE] Full Story: trustedreviews.com

[ILLusions0fGrander]

hope this is a rumor because you have got to be kidding.

then again, maybe their plan is to buy out all other retail stores in the US and sell canned goods at walmart prices.

[majik655]

Can't see this as a surprise as Apple and Sony have retail shops too.

[Software2]

What you probably don't realize is that Microsoft already has a store in Redmond. They sell everything from shirts to games made by studios they own. It's a two story building. On the first floor there's a Microsoft museum where you can see all sorts of things MS has done in the past, as well as try out some of their projects currently in development. It's not nearly as large or as cool as NoA's, but it's still pretty interesting. Though Nintendo's is only available to employees or their guests, while the MS one is open to anyone. If you're ever in the area you should check it out.

It wouldn't be a stretch for them to branch out here. They've got years of experience already.

[Chancer]

A good idea. Now what they should also do is incorporate walk in repair centres into the stores as well. So people can simply take in their 360 for repair whilst browsing the store.

[ausmods]

A good idea. Now what they should also do is incorporate walk in repair centres into the stores as well. So people can simply take in their 360 for repair whilst browsing the store.

That would be awesome. Though, their going to need like a team of about 10 people at each store dedicated to 360 repairs... Seriously...

But yeah Apple and Sony already have pretty nice stores, so an MS shop makes sense...

I live in the country anyway so I wouldnt see an MS store if they started them lol unless I went to sydney or something

[bucko]

That would be awesome. Though, their going to need like a team of about 10 people at each store dedicated to 360 repairs... Seriously...

But yeah Apple and Sony already have pretty nice stores, so an MS shop makes sense...

I live in the country anyway so I wouldnt see an MS store if they started them lol unless I went to sydney or something

LOL that would create thousands of jobs haha , didn't they try this in Japan it was a complete failure but they may have more success in the US.

Thing is bet they wouldn't sell OEM windows in the shops etc, I just bought Vista Home Premium x64 on Ebuyer for around £50 sure you don't get a curved case but I still got a manual.

Don't see much difference between OEM and retail to be honest. I know OEM is for system building (i built my PC) but still it's a lot cheaper.

[eduardor2k]

Imagine seeing 40 Xbox 360 with RROD, that would be great!

I can't wait for that new store!!

[wallacejbj]

I think its a good idea.. could be a huge leap for MS.. repair centre incorporated would be a great idea if they didnt have the repair centre, it would be better for a marketing side of things, also i think it would be a good way for MS to demonstrate the power of the console as apposed to going into a dixons who lets be fair they have went to shit, and they go the worst shares in the uk for a high street store. ( at least last time i checked they did)

[Software2]

The simple economics of having a repair center in every retail store just wouldn't make sense. I could see them taking your xbox for you and shipping it to a repair center that actually has the resources and training to repair a system, but you can do that yourself already.

But I guess if they want to mimic Apple, they could charge you almost the cost of a new 360 to repair your old one (ipod battey joke).

[Infamous Ob]

A good idea. Now what they should also do is incorporate walk in repair centres into the stores as well. So people can simply take in their 360 for repair whilst browsing the store.

Yeah, this could be a really good idea. Just imagine going to the mall and you have a nice Microsoft Store sitting in there, that would be sick.

[HotKnife420]

If they incorporated repair centers into each location, then the majority of their repair techs would be x-s members.

[hardcandy]

If I were Microsoft, I would think twice about this. Brick and mortar computer and electronics-related stores are on the way out. The cost is too high for the return you receive. They cannot compete in reputation and location with the big chains like Best Buy, Target, etc. They cannot compete on cost with online retailers. I could see maybe a showcase store in NYC, London, Tokyo. But to start up any kind of retail physical presence with online shopping increasing each year does not make sense.
I might browse the store but then would buy the product at a discount price online ( eliminate sales tax and get free shipping).

[halcyonx12]

Can't see this as a surprise as Apple and Sony have retail shops too.

Yeah but who goes there? Does MS really need to be a "me-too"?

[HotKnife420]

Yeah but who goes there? Does MS really need to be a "me-too"?

They don't *need* anything anymore. What's wrong with it, though?