Microsoft launched their first Microsoft Store last Thursday in Scottsdale, Arizona. With all the hoopla of the Windows 7 launch we thought we'd let that die down before posting a few details on Microsoft's new stores.Microsoft Silverlight team member Tim Heuer posted a great overview of his own personal experience. According to Heuer he visited the store 4 days after the initial launch which saw people queuing to enter the store and grabbing free Zune HDs.
Upon first entering the store the logo is clearly visible and colourful, similar to Apple, Microsoft have opted for the logo and no mention of "Microsoft". It's clear the whole store is a copycat of Apple's retail stores but is this a bad thing? Apple has perfected its stores over the years and they clearly work.
The first store opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m with 500 people waiting in line to excitedly enter the store (as shown below in the video). The store is kitted out with Microsoft Surface tables, giant screens across the walls, "gaming zones" where approximately 15% of the store is dedicated to Xbox 360 games and accessories. The store also sells Windows compatible laptops such as Dell, Toshiba, HP, Sony, Acer, Lenovo, etc and a variety of Microsoft hardware.
Copycat?
Microsoft have opted for an "answers desk" which is a clear comparison to Apple's genius bar. Microsoft also offers training sessions aimed at exploring Windows 7, to Zune HD features and understanding Office better. Once again these are similar to the sessions that Apple holds. Imitation is often the sincerest form of flattery and in this case I don't believe Apple will be flattered. The comparisons to the Apple Store will always stick but this shouldn't take away from the effort Microsoft has put into these upcoming stores. The walls are littered with exciting WPF applications that demonstrate products well.
According to Heuer he was most impressed with the employees who seemed to be knowledgeable and polite. The Mission Viejo store is due to open later this week (October 29).
Image Credits: Microsoft, Tim Heuer and Sean Hobson
-Rich-
-Rich-
Not like there are a ton of ways to display desktops and laptops. But yeah, it does look a lot like an Apple store. Except the Microsoft one actually has customers.
Oh wait.
Oh wait.
The ones around here? No, actually.
I guess you never seen the pictures during the iPhone launch?
Anyway the microsoft store looks good. Hope we get some in Sweden aswell
Hmm I live in New York and Apple stores are always packed. I usually pass by the one in Soho on Spring street and there are always people inside. I never purchased the iPhone though because tehy ****ed me off. It was a week after the launch day I stopped by the store and they told me to wait ina a line to take a number so then I can go and wait in another line with that number to get the IPhone, so I told them thanks but no.... Anyhow back to the main topic, Microsoft is trying to do what Apple does best, customer support and marketing, so yes the MS store looks a lot like the Apple store.... and you can keep saying "Oh, here they come" but that is the truth so live with it...
Apple Store:
http://photos.notimeforblogging.com/images...34/voax5rbk.JPG
Louvre:
http://www.wholeo.net/Trips/Travel/NY/imag...re2006_1484.jpg
I want to squeeze her so much!
haha lmao!!! thats so mean
Yes.
No... I don't think that's what he means...
But she sure acts like she's retarded and unmannered, that's for sure, shoving people in like they are in a summer camp or something.
Anyway, to get back on topic, the store looks nice and I like the look of the logo when it is illuminated like in the first picture.
Nah, it's not a Mac store.
i fully agree with this, why are they clapping people into the shop... freaks.
What do you expect them to act like zombies or something? jeezz..
How do you want them to act? Do you want them to act like they don't give a *bleep*?? Get it over it.. I don't see a problem with it and in fact it's nice to see them clapping. and whats up with only in usa comment???? was that really necessary.
Yeah Exactly, talk about ignorant...
Ummmmm...
Australia
UK
Germany
Canada
I'd go on, but there's no point...
Australia
UK
Germany
Canada
I'd go on, but there's no point...
Ouch! That's gotta hurt.
Everyone knows it´s superimposed. Let 2 month pass and they won´t even smile at you.
An Apple Store is pretty easy to spot because the Apple logo is well known, but Joe Public is going to take a while to become familiar with that new logo MS are using for their stores.
Either way it gets your attention, and that's it's job.
The new logo resembles the logo of the boot screen in windows 7. I'm guessing that is why they used it.
That being said, Apple stores have done quite well. I don't see anything wrong with Microsoft improving on a proven concept. These stores look "homier" with the extra color, too - Apple stores remind me of an airport.
Last edited by Simon on 26 Oct 2009 - 22:47
Nor do I. Yes, people could argue that they're copying Apple's store (and I think Microsoft could of been a little more original with their concept), but if Apple' concept is working, then why not use it and improve on it?
Come on, Microsoft, open up some stores in Atlanta!
Last edited by Kevin. on 26 Oct 2009 - 23:28
Steve Jobs - "Good artists copy; great artists steal."
Apple loves setting the message that Microsoft is a copycat. Why willfully embrace that notion when a similar layout but different aesthetic would still "copy" the success of the store but not so readily remind shoppers of Apple and the message that Microsoft is a copycat?
Just a thought.
Saw my first apple store in Oz and I have too say it was almost empty bar 1 or 2 ppl and doesn't look very inviting IMO
EVERYONE REMAIN PLEASANT!
Imitation of the store layout is one thing, but that is a straight, unashamed rip. That's low.
Hmm yeah the concept is the same but it looks quite different actually. Tbh I like the Microsoft one a lot more
Definitely I cant remember seeing anyone else doing it....
oh wait I've just seen a poster from 2 decades ago that does it.
Common mattrobs it doesnt even look close. Next you'll be pointing out they have both used black text on white bits of paper.
No, I am not anti-Microsoft or pro-Apple. Just figured I'd mention that because whenever somebody compares the two people scream 'fanboy'. It's hilarious.
Its strange how, if any business, marketing or design student at a major university or college submitted this type of work it would likely be plagarism and would get kicked out.
But, since this is a business, especially two really big companies involved, it doesn't seem as important. But, as a new grad employee if they found out you did this, you'd get the boot.
First there were touchscreen devices. Then came Apple and selling iPhone. Now everyone who creates touchscreen device is accused of copying Apple.
First there were retail stores. Then came Apple and started opening Apple Stores. Now everyone who opens retail store is accused of copying Apple.
Boring isn't it?
There's a difference.
It's all the same but different. As soon as you admit that some aspect is different to the apple store, the argument of copying falls apart.
Wow, look here... a mac OSX or a Win 7 box.... let me get in line for that!S
Second ... it just looks like a trendy PC store like they have been around for many years. They are displaying desktops, laptops and gameconsoles... like they do in any store trying to sell a product. Any "branded" store would look quite similar, making its selling shoes, clothes, fishing gear or geek gear, so yeah it looks like the apple store, but also like the Sony store around the corner or the shoe store next to that.
Microsoft needed to open a store to get the focus on its brand again. We've gotten so used to having Microsoft around that it as a brand became almost transparent. Everybody was buying Dells, HPs, with windows installed on them. Now they can go out and buy a Windows 7 device with a container they chose. It's all about buyer focus.
I also think the MS store looks more inviting then the Mac store.
Tim Heuers blog post was actually informing and relevant, glad you didn't leave that link out at least.
Or crowds nearly that big.
And somehow I bet the employees at the Answer Desk require more than a partial grade school education to work.
But yes, let's give Apple all the credit. Microsoft could never have though of opening a store on their own. Not in a million years.
Also the issue is licensing agreements with various partners such as Dell, Toshiba and Acer, since they are most likely different than the agreements in the USA.
I imagine this is the "alpha" store for testing - they will run it for a while to see how things go so the next stores will run smother, easier and be tweaked on running costs etc. they will then open a couple more and see how things go - then before you know it there will be one next to every Starbucks.
Commenting has either been disabled on this article or you are not logged in. Click here to login or register, its free!
Note: Anonymous commenting is disabled in order to keep the quality of responses to a high standard.