ccoltmanm Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 I was at OakBrook mall in Illinois. They had a Microsoft store so I went. I'm a big Microsoft guy, and was not planning to go here, I was shopping for something else. I was in front of the store and was headed into it with my fianc?e when I noticed there was no one inside. I've been in the Apple Store a dozen times because they are in malls near me and they are always packed. I almost didn't go in because of a weird feel of embarrassment because I would literally be the only patron with about 6-8 staff. I went in because I wanted to try the RT. Looking to maybe get and teach with. Inside it was pretty nice. It was clean, organized, and spacious. I actually think the inside looked nicer than the Apple store. Everything was labeled better, there seemed to be better displays and set ups. Not as much product on the walls, accessories. A few staff said hi and if I need help, one was playing Kinect by the front window, one little girl peered through the window for a minute. Most didn't have anything to do. I started playing with the RT, which is a review in of itself, and felt comfortable. They had really nice stools and furniture. Much nicer than an apple store. Probably because no one was in there I was more at ease, yet still weirded out I was alone inside. After about 15 minutes another couple came in and was out in 2 minutes. They felt awkward. An older couple came in and say at a desk for help with their phone. A staffer helped and it seemed super friendly. Probably because they didn't have an appointment behind them. While testing the RT, my fianc?e did try playing pacman on the rt next to me. But have up because she didn't care for the keyboard. Other than that she was bored. I walked by the xbox section and was impressed. I did leave shortly afterwards not buying anything. I guess they just don't have the appeal. COKid 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COKid Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 Nice review. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Growled Member Posted August 5, 2013 Member Share Posted August 5, 2013 I've been in two Microsoft stores and I found them both very nice, but unlike your experience I've found them fairly busy. Nothing like the Apple stores, of course. I particularly like the one in Atlanta and I try to go in their every time I'm over there. Not that I buy anything, but I never buy anything at the Apple Store either. It's just fun to look. fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrJohnSmitherson Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 I've been to a Microsoft store and I agree that they are much nicer than an Apple store. They are similar, but the Microsoft store is more colorful and just nicer all around. I've been several times and they have always had customers. Not as much as an Apple Store but a good amount. Sometimes a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raa Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 You went into your first MS Store? How many do you own? :P MiniMeSorinel, MikeChipshop, Elliot B. and 3 others 6 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherITguy Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Now if only I could get one MS Store here in SW Florida! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot B. Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Are there any such stores in the UK? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kami- Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Are there any such stores in the UK? Microsoft UK Cardinal Place, 80-100 Victoria St, London SW1E 5JL ? 0844 800 2400 ? ? microsoft.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot B. Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Microsoft UK Cardinal Place, 80-100 Victoria St, London SW1E 5JL ? 0844 800 2400 ? ? microsoft.com That's an office of theirs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George P Global Moderator Posted August 5, 2013 Global Moderator Share Posted August 5, 2013 I went into one to check out the Samsung Ativ Smat PC I ended up ordering online (because they had none on stock actually) but it was nice, had people in it as well though I didn't try and count, not empty at all though. I suppose it honestly depends, I've walked by apple stores with very few people inside as well. Time of day plays a role, also when, closer to holidays, like when I went, you'll see more traffic in the MS shops as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kami- Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 That's an office of theirs. Yeah, give them a call and ask - since you're obviously too lazy to Google ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaP Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Yeah, give them a call and ask - since you're obviously too lazy to Google ;) Since when asking a question to people you know is being lazy ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoffrey B. Veteran Posted August 5, 2013 Veteran Share Posted August 5, 2013 I did a quick look and the closest store to me is about 3 and a half hours away so i probably wont be going to one unless i happen to be in that town for other business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot B. Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Yeah, give them a call and ask - since you're obviously too lazy to Google ;)I did Google it and it appeared there were non. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaP Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Here's the closest Microsoft Store to my home. http://goo.gl/maps/RssMM This is really stupid considering how big Montreal is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spudtrooper Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 MS store in Austin is hit or miss.. sometimes dead, sometimes fairly busy. During surface launch it was absolutely packed, so they do get momentum.. they just need to launch partner products with as much fanfair and who knows, maybe the MS deal with the stores inside every BestBuy will help with brand awareness too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BajiRav Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 I did Google it and it appeared there were non. I guess only in north Americas for now. http://content.microsoftstore.com/en-us/lookup?view=allstores Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siah1214 Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Went to the one in Austin and it was pretty busy (on a Thursday afternoon) Very nice layout, folks were friendly, got to try a couple different RT tablets. Would go again if it wasn't 4 hours away. :-\ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrlShift Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 In the UK, we can only dream of walking into the first UK store. It appears that Microsoft want to expand internationally into China first, which does seem odd but at the same time would go hand in hand with their recent big push of Windows Phone there. Meanwhile in Europe, Apple continues to become more local. I think MS missed a huge opportunity in Europe with the Surface. This isn't (initially) about sales but about mind-share and awareness. Having the opportunity to touch and feel and use a Surface, at a relatively convenient location is a big plus. What are they playing at? Yes, you can now grab them at John Lewis, Currys and PC World but it's come too little, too late. And in any case, can you rely on any of these centres of sales excellence to provide a potential customer with impartial advice that wouldn't lead them to purchase an iPad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsupersonic Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 The closest Microsoft store to me is about 6-7 hours away. Regardless, I have been to the one in Virginia (Tysons corner). It is alright, just another retail store...For the people who haven't experienced one, don't worry you're not missing anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
threetonesun Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Yes, you can now grab them at John Lewis, Currys and PC World but it's come too little, too late. And in any case, can you rely on any of these centres of sales excellence to provide a potential customer with impartial advice that wouldn't lead them to purchase an iPad? FWIW, I think most people can make their own decisions just by picking the hardware up. The real appeal of the Apple stores was never the support staff there, it was that they just let you come in and play with their hardware. It's much like a mall pet store, no one cares about who works there, they just want to look at the puppies. My once experience at the Microsoft store taught me that the Surface RT is tragically overpriced, but certainly no one had to tell me that, I just had to pick one up and use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Growled Member Posted August 5, 2013 Member Share Posted August 5, 2013 The closest Microsoft store to me is about 6-7 hours away. Regardless, I have been to the one in Virginia (Tysons corner). It is alright, just another retail store...For the people who haven't experienced one, don't worry you're not missing anything. I believe that is one reason they will not ultimately be successful. Nothing in them are exclusives. You can find it somewhere else and usually at a better price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
threetonesun Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 I believe that is one reason they will not ultimately be successful. Nothing in them are exclusives. You can find it somewhere else and usually at a better price. The same can be said of Apple stores. Microcenter sells all of their computers at a lower price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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