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Microsoft shop plan in chase after Apple
Bill Condie13.02.09
Technology: Software giant Microsoft is taking a leaf from the book of arch-enemy Apple and opening its own branded retail stores.
While producing the operating system that drives most of the world's computers, Microsoft has lagged badly behind Apple's slick retailing operations, which have driven sales of the iPod and iPhone, and led to a big increase in sales of Apple computers.
Microsoft, which makes the Xbox games console and the Zune digital music player, did not say how many stores it was looking to open, or when, or which of its products would be on sale. But it did say the programme will be run by David Porter, a former DreamWorks Animation executive, who Microsoft named as its new vice president of retail stores.
There have long been rumours that Microsoft was planning such a scheme but the announcement comes amid falling consumer confidence because of the recession, which has already pushed one big US chain into bankruptcy.
