Microsoft plans to follow Apples lead and open their own chain of retail stores. According to the Associated Press, Microsoft has enlisted former DreamWorks distribution chief David Porter to head the new retail business. Porter will start work on Tuesday, and his first order of business will be to help determine the “timing, locations and design” of the upcoming stores.
Microsoft has already opened locations in stores from chains like Best Buy and Circuit City last year, right as it was rolling out its $300 million ad campaign.
The AP writes that Microsoft’s retail stores will carry the company’s products and PCs pre-loaded with Microsoft software. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Zune media players and Xbox 360s make appearances alongside boxed software and Windows PCs.
via: Techreport
I wonder how this will affect the small computer operations? Seems like Microsoft is competing directly with the people that they are selling to.