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Microsoft to permanently close stores

by WF- Enzo Administrator
14 replies


Microsoft announces a "new approach to retail", and decides to close their retail stores as they focus on maximising digital channels to sell hardware.

According to David Porter, Microsoft's corporate vice president, "our sales have grown online as our product portfolio has evolved to largely digital offerings,"

In their press release, Microsoft will also reimagine their stores in London, New York, Sydney, and Redmond. Their staff, meanwhile, will focus on enterprise remote sales, training and support.

This is probably just one of the many expected pandemic after-effects, with many companies either downsizing or entirely closing retail store operations.

Chime in.
#close #microsoft #permanently #stores
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  • Profile picture of the author mordriel
    I was both surprised and not surprised by this. Apple has very successful stores, but I don't think I've seen any Microsoft stores that get major business. But, that might be due to the fact that I don't go out much (or don't go to malls much, sadly; wish I could). But, of course, there are also cellular phone carriers that are taking their businesses primarily online and are on the fence about shutting down brick and mortar stores.
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    • Profile picture of the author JPs copy
      These stores were an example of Microsoft copying Apple's retail model. Just companies copying other companies.

      The funniest news story I came across recently was when looters raided the Amazon stores, Amazon pinged their phones for payment because they have no employees in those stores. The looters got charged with thousands of dollars with whatever goods they stole.
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      • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
        Originally Posted by JPs copy View Post

        These stores were an example of Microsoft copying Apple's retail model. Just companies copying other companies.

        The funniest news story I came across recently was when looters raided the Amazon stores, Amazon pinged their phones for payment because they have no employees in those stores. The looters got charged with thousands of dollars with whatever goods they stole.
        Sounds pretty far-fetched to me. How did their phones know exactly what each person had stolen, unless you are saying that only those who stole phones were charged? Of course, anyone who stole things like phones or iPads should have known they were worthless and could not be activated. Also wondering where Apple got not only their credit card number but the authorization to charge their card?

        No, much more likely is the devices were bricked and, perhaps, the location data reported to authorities.
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      • Profile picture of the author WF- Enzo
        Administrator
        How exactly is Microsoft copying Apple's retail model?

        Originally Posted by JPs copy View Post

        These stores were an example of Microsoft copying Apple's retail model. Just companies copying other companies.

        The funniest news story I came across recently was when looters raided the Amazon stores, Amazon pinged their phones for payment because they have no employees in those stores. The looters got charged with thousands of dollars with whatever goods they stole.
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        • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
          Originally Posted by WF- Enzo View Post

          How exactly is Microsoft copying Apple's retail model?
          How were they not? The store layouts were damn near identical. The only difference is the Microsoft stores did not have a 3-hour wait to talk to some arrogant asshole.
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          • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
            Originally Posted by MikeFriedman View Post

            How were they not? The store layouts were damn near identical. The only difference is the Microsoft stores did not have a 3-hour wait to talk to some arrogant asshole.
            Not an Apple Fan Boy, join the club. When you get to talk to someone at the Apple Store, they will quote you a grossly inflated repair cost and suggest that you buy a new one.
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            • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
              Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post

              Not an Apple Fan Boy, join the club. When you get to talk to someone at the Apple Store, they will quote you a grossly inflated repair cost and suggest that you buy a new one.
              I have actually been pretty lucky on the repair side. AppleCare is worth every penny.

              The whole family has iPhones and we will probably never leave because of the family sharing they offer. One person buys an app or song on iTunes and we all get it. Although, we have mostly moved to Spotify for music now.

              But I'll never use an Apple computer again. Tried a laptop for a little bit and hated it.
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              • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
                Originally Posted by MikeFriedman View Post

                I have actually been pretty lucky on the repair side. AppleCare is worth every penny.

                The whole family has iPhones and we will probably never leave because of the family sharing they offer. One person buys an app or song on iTunes and we all get it. Although, we have mostly moved to Spotify for music now.

                But I'll never use an Apple computer again. Tried a laptop for a little bit and hated it.
                Yeah, there laptops of the last few years have received bad press but the 16" Mac-book Pro got good reviews, a little thicker and got rid of the horrible butterfly keyboard.. I don't know about phones but Louis Rossman who does videos of himself in his business, repairing computers hates the recent stuff from them, mainly the laptops again, they are soldered in components and pretty much non-repairable in many cases and even if you are, or were an authorized Apple repairer, you cannot get the parts.

                So unless you have something like Apple-Care, you have to go to the genius bar and almost always get quoted a high figure for repair and encouraged to buy new.

                He points out the bad layouts and workmanship inside them. He is able to do some repairs though and they are usually something simple. Customers say wow, I took it to the Apple Store and they quoted me almost the price of a new one.
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      • Profile picture of the author Monetize
        Originally Posted by JPs copy View Post

        The funniest news story I came across recently was when looters raided the Amazon stores, Amazon pinged their phones for payment because they have no employees in those stores. The looters got charged with thousands of dollars with whatever goods they stole.

        I heard about this as well but it's an urban
        legend:

        https://www.gizmochina.com/2020/06/0...automatically/


        IMO, Microsoft stores going to online only
        is good news for internet/digital marketers
        because it confirms that we can operate
        completely online. Restaurants and other
        brick and mortar operations need to get
        with the program. It always amazes me
        how many businesses still don't have an
        internet presence.
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      • Profile picture of the author Medon
        Originally Posted by JPs copy View Post

        These stores were an example of Microsoft copying Apple's retail model. Just companies copying other companies.

        The funniest news story I came across recently was when looters raided the Amazon stores, Amazon pinged their phones for payment because they have no employees in those stores. The looters got charged with thousands of dollars with whatever goods they stole.

        If the gadget was sold to a third party, who did Amazon invoice? the thief or the third party?
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  • Profile picture of the author incomenow
    Originally Posted by WF- Enzo View Post



    Microsoft announces a "new approach to retail", and decides to close their retail stores as they focus on maximising digital channels to sell hardware.

    According to David Porter, Microsoft's corporate vice president, "our sales have grown online as our product portfolio has evolved to largely digital offerings,"

    In their press release, Microsoft will also reimagine their stores in London, New York, Sydney, and Redmond. Their staff, meanwhile, will focus on enterprise remote sales, training and support.

    This is probably just one of the many expected pandemic after-effects, with many companies either downsizing or entirely closing retail store operations.

    Chime in.
    Oh yes, I was about saying it that the ongoing pandemic has caused and will cause many retail stores to close down either temporarily or permanently. Obviously, the pandemic will have a long-term effect on the retailing industry at large.
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  • Profile picture of the author Vincentbre
    Not really that surprising considering the current situation and the trends. There will always be physical stores, but they will soon be the exception rather than the norm.
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  • Profile picture of the author Anjni Ayachi
    I was surprised by this, apple has very successful stores, but I don't think I've seen any Microsoft stores that get major business. These stores were an example of Microsoft copying Apple's retail model. Just companies copying other companies. Here the company is copying company.
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  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    This is just the beginning

    Expect a LOT of BIG CHANGES thanks to COVID 19

    One of the bigger changes is the switch to a FULLY REMOTE work staff for many businesses

    Not only did these businesses realize they can fully OFFLOAD their staff but they can source staff ANYWHERE on the planet

    Don't be surprised if COVID 19's lockdowns bring about the mass shift of JOBS overseas (in addition to the DATA AUTOMATION that is already happening)
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