Microsoft Stores

Back in February, we posted a note on the appointment of David Porter as Microsoft's Corporate VP of Retail Sales. Well, now it looks as if we're moving ever closer to the opening of Microsoft's first stores in the US.

Earlier this week, Gizmodo revealed a leaked slide deck from Lippincott - a design and brand strategy consultancy. Within the body of the deck, Lippincott explained that it has been asked to assist Microsoft and its 'approved partners' with the development of a new company owned retail store that "provides a transformative customer experience, shifts current perceptions of the brand, and supports the functional operating requirements of the business groups".

As Gizmodo explains: "Essentially, Microsoft is taking the best elements from the Apple Store, Sony Style and other 'flagship' stores." There will be a Digital Media Wall which wraps around the entire store. There will be 'stage areas' for Windows 7, Windows Media Centre, and Windows Mobile. And there will be an Answers Bar or Guru Bar or Windows Bar - well, something very similar to Apple's Genius Bar.

We now learn from CNET that two stores have already been identified - one in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the other in Mission Viejo, California. It is understood that the store in Mission Viejo will be in the same mall as the local Apple Store.