Microsoft to follow Apple with its own family of retail stores
All about Microsoft — ... Microsoft is planning to launch a number of new Microsoft-branded retail stores , according to a company press release issued late in the day on February 12. The press release announced the appointment of David Porter, a new Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Retail Stores. Formerly with Dreamworks Animation and Wal-mart, Porter starts his new job at Microsoft on February 16. There’s no word so far on when or where Microsoft is planning to launch the first of its new retail outlets. But the company is planning to use them to showcase Windows 7, Windows Mobile and Windows ...

Microsoft to follow Apple with its own family of retail stores
Bink.nu — Microsoft is planning to launch a number of new Microsoft-branded retail stores , according to a company press release issued late in the day on February 12. The press release announced the appointment of David Porter, a new Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Retail Stores. Formerly with Dreamworks Animation and Wal-mart, Porter starts his new job at Microsoft on February 16. There’s no word so far on when or where Microsoft is planning to launch the first of its new retail outlets. But the company is planning to use them to showcase Windows 7, Windows Mobile and Windows ...

Microsoft opening retail stores
The Seattle Times: Microsoft Pri0 — ... After years of rumors, Microsoft today confirmed that it's delving into retail. The company is hiring an executive "to create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers worldwide through the development and opening of the company's own retail stores," according to this news release. ...

Microsoft To Open Retail Stores
Silicon Alley Insider — ... Microsoft is getting into the retail business. The company announced today that it's hired David Porter, a 25-year Wal-Mart vet, as vice president of retail stores. He will head up Microsoft's "efforts to create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience" through its own retail stores. The company did not announce details. ...

What do you want to see in Microsoft's retail stores?
Infinite Loop — ... , the company launched its online Microsoft Store in the US, and the general consensus was that the rumor had been put to rest. Not so. In a press release late today, the software giant announced that it will indeed be rolling out new Microsoft-branded stores. David Porter, head of worldwide product distribution DreamWorks Animation SKG, will join Microsoft as corporate vice president of Retail Stores, reporting to Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner. The stores, according to Microsoft, will improve the PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers ...

Microsoft to open retail stores. Yeah, good luck with that
Between the Lines — ... Buried in a late-in-the-day press release announcing a new executive, Microsoft revealed plans to open branded retail stores as part of its effort to raise awareness surrounding Windows 7, Windows Mobile and Windows Live. The time frame for opening the stores, as well as locations, will be the first order of business for David Porter, the company’s new corporate vice president of Retail Stores, who was a 25-year Wal-Mart executive before his most recent stint with DreamWorks Animation SKG. OK, I can understand Microsoft taking a tip from Apple, which has seen success by ...

Microsoft gets serious about retail stores with exec hire
Engadget — ... Remember those pretend Microsoft stores from last month? Looks like the crew at Redmond are taking that idea one step closer to reality. The company's announced that former DreamWorks SKG exec David Porter has joined up as corporate vice president of retail stores ...

Microsoft plans to open retail stores ala Apple
Obsessable News Feed — ... It just appointed a corporate vice president of retail sales, David Porter, and picking out locations and designing an experience that will appeal to the public (read: you and us) are the first things on his agenda. The plan is to "engage" us more closely to show just how neat the ...

Microsoft to Roll Out Retail Stores
Xconomy — ... Microsoft announced today it is going forward with plans to open retail stores. Leading the charge will be a new hire, vice president David Porter, who hails from DreamWorks Animation SKG and before that, Wal-Mart. The move is seen as an attempt to compete with Apple stores, in order to sell software and devices to more consumers. ...

Confirmed: Microsoft Opening Retail Stores [Microsoft]
Gizmodo — ... around its campus. Either way, Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet is right that it'll be great to have a store to demo Microsoft tech and Windows laptops side by side, since so many chains are dropping away. If they're smart, they'll do some variation of the Genius bar, too. [Microsoft via ...

The next Microsoft and Apple battleground: Retail
VentureBeat — ... Luckily for Microsoft, it’s not ready to open any stores just yet. It just announced the hiring of David Porter as the new vice president of retail sales and as Microsoft notes, “Defining the time frame, locations and specifics for planned Microsoft-branded retail stores will be Porter’s first order of business.” So if the first Microsoft stores won’t hit until 2010, the company may find it a better climate than right now for retail. ...

Microsoft opens again Retail Stores
I4U News — ... . Did you shop there yet? I have not. Via this Microsoft announcement . Posted on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:11:40 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft: The Next Big Retail Chain?
BARRONS.com: Tech Trader Daily — ... Microsoft on Thursday announced that it has hired David Porter, who had been head of worldwide product distribution at Dreamworks Animation, to be corporate vice president of retail stores. The company said Porter will lead the company’s efforts “to create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers worldwide through the development and opening of the company’s own retail stores.” Before joining Dreamworks, Porter spent 25 years at Wal-Mart. ...

Microsoft launching branded retail stores; appoints David Porter
D' Technology Weblog — ... that David Porter will join the company as corporate vice president of Retail Stores. He will lead Microsoft’s efforts to create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers worldwide through the development and opening of the company’s own retail stores. Porter will report to Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner. He is joining Microsoft from DreamWorks Animation SKG, where he was head of worldwide product distribution. Full PressPass ...

¡Microsoft abrirá tiendas físicas!
Gizmología — Microsoft a principios de año lanzó al mundo una especie de estudio de como deberían ser las tiendas físicas, claro, siempre que usen productos de Microsoft, evidentemente. Parece que les afectó tanto que todo apunta a que Microsoft abrirá sus propias tiendas según una nota de prensa lanzada ayer. No hay datos de cuando tendrán las tiendas listas, pero es una curiosa forma de competir contra otras marcas que tienen tiendas físicas, ya no solo me refiero a las Apple Store, si no también a Dell o ...

Microsoft retail stores coming: part products, part Windows cheerleading
SlashGear — ... Microsoft have confirmed rumors that they intend to open new, Microsoft-branded stores, which will apparently aim to “make more informed decisions about their PC and software purchases” (assuming those decisions involve Windows).  No timescale nor prospective locations for the retail chain have been disclosed; deciding those facts will be the responsibility of new hire David Porter, previously of DreamWorks Animation and, before that, WalMart. ...

Mirosoft Going Into Owned Retail Stores; Hoping For Apple Magic
paidContent — ... As for MFT's reasoning behind opening these stores, in its own words: "The purpose of opening these stores is to create deeper engagement with consumers and continue to learn firsthand about what they want and how they buy." The company recently kicked off a big and rather-quirky consumer ad campaign featuring founder Bill Gates and comedian Jerry Seinfeld, which wasn't received that well, at least by the consumers it wanted to reach. Some more details in the release here. ...

Microsoft’s retail effort: Here’s some unsolicited advice
Between the Lines — ... . The company hired David Porter , who joined DreamWorks Animation in 2007 as head of product distribution. Before that he spent 25 years at Wal-Mart–a little outfit that knows a smidge about retailing. Neither Porter nor Microsoft is stupid.  The big question here is this consumer focus at the stores. ...

Microsoft to Launch Retail Stores [Computers]
Lifehacker — ... announces their jump into the retail store market with a VP of retail hire . The stores' focus will be on demonstrating Windows 7, Windows Mobile and Windows Live. No details at this point. [ ...

Microsoft-branded stores to transform 'device-buying experience'
Joystiq — ... We can't say that we've ever considered the "device-buying experience" to be in desperate need of transformation, but perhaps that's a fortunate byproduct of our device always being a taser. If your shopping entails things like Windows software and computer ...

Microsoft Retail Stores: No Challenger to Apple [TheAppleBlog]
GigaOM Network — ... The news of the plan to open retail stores comes via an announcement of Microsoft’s decision to hire 7-year retail vet David Porter as Corporate Vice President of Retail Stores, a move which pretty bluntly suggests that they’re planning on having some for him to oversee. And, in case there was still any question about it, they actually mention said plans in their official press release on the subject. ...

Microsoft Hires David Porter, Plans On Opening Stores To Promote Windows
Pulse2 - Technology News And Reviews — ... “I am delighted to welcome David to Microsoft,” stated Microsoft COO Kevin Turner. “This is an exciting time with our strong lineup of upcoming product releases including Windows 7 and new releases of Windows Live and Windows Mobile. We’re also working hard to transform the PC and Microsoft buying experience at retail by improving the articulation and demonstration of the Microsoft innovation and value proposition so that it’s clear, simple and straightforward for consumers everywhere. David’s unique and diverse background, coupled with his deep retail roots and distribution ...

Microsoft retail stores coming soon to a strip mall near you
Download Squad — ... to sell computers and peripherals capable of running Microsoft products in addition to boxed Microosft software. Still, I can't help but wonder why Microsoft thinks operating its own stores will be more profitable than selling software downloads and getting physical copies of its software into existing retail outlets. Maybe this is really just a branding initiative, since that whole Seinfeld thing didn't really work out. Microsoft announced yesteday that it's hired former DreamWorks exec David Porter to head the company's retail store unit. [via ...

Microsoft to open retail stores
TechSpot — ... , Microsoft today confirmed it will attempt to mirror the success that rival Apple has enjoyed in recent years by opening its own chain of retail stores . Without getting into details the company said it is hiring a former Walmart executive to lead the effort and help create a better “PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers worldwide.” The idea is to create a deeper engagement with consumers. It should also give Microsoft the opportunity to show off and hype Windows 7 in a controlled environment to try and make up for Vista’s poor reception. Moreover the ...

Microsoft stores aim to encourage Windows shopping
GMSV — ... . Porter will start with a clean slate his first tasks are to determine the number, location, design and launch timing of the outlets. But the general idea is in place: “We’re working hard to transform the PC and Microsoft buying experience at retail by improving the articulation and demonstration of the Microsoft innovation and value proposition so that it’s clear, simple and straightforward for consumers everywhere,” said COO Kevin Turner . Porter’s job may also include some delicate diplomatic dealings with ...

Will Clippy Be a Greeter at Microsoft's New Stores?
Bits — ... He retired a few years ago, and he probably thought he was done with Microsoft. But with the market crash, his 401(k) has got to be devastated, especially if he didn’t dump his Microsoft stock for Treasury bonds. So maybe Clippy will come back to work as a greeter at Microsoft’s new retail stores: “Hello! I’m Clippy. It looks like you’ve entered a Microsoft retail store. Do you want help buying a product?” Or perhaps he could help customers struggling with Windows Vista. Microsoft’s confirmation that it will open a line of retail stores raises myriad questions. What will ...

GBTV #513 | Microsoft Stores, Minoru 3D, Whatnots, Dollhouse
GeekBrief.TV — Shownotes: David Porter has been snatched up by Microsoft to create and open Microsoft stores. The Minoru 3D Webcam is cute as a bugs ear! You can chat with your friends in 3D or 2D. Two lenses spaced apart mimic human eyes. Because of this, you’re more likely to look into the camera instead of on the screen, creating a better video chat experience. Thanks to FAO Schwartz, you can now create your own Whatnot. Choose the body color, eyes and nose, and it’ll arrive in a few weeks. Neal ...

Microsoft retail experience becomes a retail reality, stores to be announced soon
DVICE Atom Feed — ... Microsoft is officially wading into competitive retail with its own slew of storefronts, and the company just hired David Porter, the new VP of Retail Stores, to lead the charge when he starts on February 16th. "Defining the time frame, locations and specifics for planned Microsoft-branded retail stores will be Porter's first order of business," Microsoft said in a press release. ...

Microsoft appoints David Porter as Corporate Vice President of Retail Stores
SolSie.com — ... delighted to welcome David to Microsoft,” Turner said.  “We’re also working hard to transform the PC and Microsoft buying experience at retail by improving the articulation and demonstration of the Microsoft innovation and value proposition so that it’s clear, simple and straightforward for consumers everywhere. David’s unique and diverse background, coupled with his deep retail roots and distribution understanding, will be an invaluable asset in this long-term effort.”     [Via Microsoft Press Release ] [image] Leave a comment Name (required) E-mail (required) URI ...

Bits: Will Clippy Be a Greeter at Microsoft's New Stores?
NYT > Technology — ... But with the market crash, his 401(k) has got to be devastated, especially if he didn’t dump his Microsoft stock for Treasury bonds. So maybe Clippy will come back to work as a greeter at Microsoft’s new retail stores: “Hello! I’m Clippy. It looks like you’ve entered a Microsoft retail store. Do you want help buying a product?” Or perhaps he could help customers struggling with Windows Vista. (As you can see in the photo at right, Microsoft already has the costumes.) Microsoft’s confirmation that it will open a line of retail stores raises myriad questions. What will ...

Microsoft to Open Retail Stores. What will they sell?
The Next Web — ... PC fans now have a place to spend their hard earned money on their way back home from the office. Microsoft have announced that they will be opening their own line of retail stores. ...

Regarding Microsoft’s Foray Into Retail
Daring Fireball — ... this would neatly solve Microsoft’s perennial problem — the perception that Windows computers are cheap and prone to failure. I say the problem isn’t with perception, but rather that Windows computers really do tend to be junkier and more prone to failure. Apple’s retail success doesn’t start with perception, it starts with well-designed products. What’s telling to me is that Microsoft’s new retail chief, David Porter, comes from Wal-Mart. Apple’s retail chief, Ron Johnson, came from ...

The Patents of Steve Jobs
Technologizer — ... . Bathed in light and applauded by an army of Apple employees for my good taste, I felt like I was entering paradise.) Microsoft, having taken note of the Apple Stores’ great success, plans its own chain of retail outfits, but let’s just say it: There’s absolutely no chance that Steve Ballmer is going to roll up his sleeves and help design the fixtures. It’s hard enough to envision him rolling up his sleeces and helping to design Windows 7’s fixtures. I’m not saying that that’s good, and I’m not saying that it’s ...

Do You Have a Reservation at the Virus Bar or Are You Here for the All Day Workshop on Printer Drivers?
Digital Daily — ... Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft (MSFT) have long competed for market space. And soon they’ll be competing for retail space, as well. In remarks at Microsoft’s Windows Partner Conference today, COO Kevin Turner said Microsoft has settled on a location for the retail stores it announced earlier this year: ...

Microsoft: Running scared
Macworld — ... this fall which, in many cases, will be located “right next door to Apple stores.” Redmond hired Wal-Mart veteran David Porter to head up its retail operations ; Apple’s retail division, meanwhile, is headed by former Target executive Ron Johnson, which itself helps highlight some of the philosophical differences between Microsoft and Apple. So why the sudden resurgence of hostilities between the two companies? Apple’s regularly issued a number of digs at its old enemy in the recent past and, more to the point, it’s really worked for the company, though you might argue that ...

The Macalope Weekly: Magnificent desolation
Macworld — ... :  Apple Stores are located in good locations! You know, upscale malls with plenty of wealthy shoppers. But who needs wealthy shoppers if you’re not selling anything? Is Microsoft going to sell anything, or is it just planting a flag in the mall? Here’s what the company said back in February : “The purpose of opening these stores is to create deeper engagement with consumers and continue to learn firsthand about what they want and how they buy.” Are these stores just focus groups?  Are they going to be staffed by retail workers or by market-research analysts? Because I don’t ...

MSFT’s Retail Plans: Smart or Just the Opposite?
Screenwerk — ... Now, as you know, Microsoft is going to open lots of stores — near Apple Stores — to showcase its products. Gadget blog Gizmodo seems to have ...