For some, the Microsoft Store concept is a puzzle

[marmar]

from the LA Times:



For some, the Microsoft Store concept is a puzzle
The stores, now totaling seven, may be just about keeping the brand in the public consciousness, an analyst speculates. Unlike at the Apple stores, many of the products offered can be found elsewhere. Then there's the missing 'cool' factor.


Microsoft's seven stores include one in San Diego and one at the Shops at Mission Viejo, above. Rival Apple now has more than 300 stores worldwide. (Mark Boster, Los Angeles Times / October 12, 2010)

By Nathan Olivarez-Giles, Los Angeles Times
November 26, 2010


It looks like an Apple Store, filled with eager employees in brightly colored T-shirts. Laptops, smart phones and MP3 players are arrayed on modern tables for anyone who wants to try them out.

There's even a desk in back where people can walk up and get expert technical help.

But the similarities between the Apple Store and the Microsoft Store begin to fade at the cash register — or at least they did one recent Saturday afternoon at the Shops at Mission Viejo mall.

Over a half-hour period, 19 people walked out of the mall's Apple Store carrying purchases in one of the company's signature white bags. By comparison, just three walked out of the nearby Microsoft Store with merchandise.

The survey may not have been scientific, but it reflects what analysts say is the challenge Microsoft Corp. faces in taking on Apple Inc. in America's shopping centers. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-microsoft-stores-20101126,0,4878500.story

[ixion]

1. It may be all those error warnings...

"This store has performed an illegal operation, and will be shut down."

That's a pain, especially if you're in the store at the time. :rofl:

[marmar]

2. ROFL......

And you're bound to get a virus in one of the stores.


:P

[hlthe2b]

3. LOL... I wondered about that too... (what is the point?)

Definitely lacking in the "cool" factor--bit of an understatement.

[gateley]

4. They probably shouldn't have painted the walls that Blue Screen of Death shade. nt

[gateley]

5. "...the challenge Microsoft Corp. faces in taking on Apple Inc...." Yeah, good luck with that. nt

[FLPanhandle]

6. Reminds me of this classic video of how MS would market the ipod

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUXnJraKM3k

I can imagine them doing the same thing with their stores

[FLPanhandle]

7. While Apple has long ago forgotten about MS

They are focused on real challengers like Google.

[bettyellen]

8. ha ha , Im almost a little embarrassed for them.

[Atman]

9. They already have lots of Microsoft stores...they're called "Best Buy."

And you can even find Apple products there. This idea will be a total bomb. There is no market when you can already buy everything MS just about anywhere.