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Guess Who's Taking On the Apple Store?

Microsoft hires Wal-Mart guru for new retail effort

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 13, 2009 12:25 PM CST

(Newser) – Microsoft has hired a former Wal-Mart exec to help the company open a chain of retail stores—a new strategy in its battle with Apple. The move is the latest sign of upheaval at Redmond, reports the Financial Times, and represents a change in approach. "To open their own stores is a big about-face," said one analyst, who thought Microsoft would "definitely incur some ill will" from retailers that stock its products.

Microsoft said the new stores would showcase Windows 7, the new operating system that will succeed the widely reviled Vista, as well as mobile software and the Xbox 360 gaming console. But there's no guarantee the stores would help revitalize Microsoft's unfashionable image. "They may end up being more like Sony stores," said an industry watcher, "which promote the products but sell very little." No word yet on when or where they will open.

A man walks on the Microsoft headquarters campus Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, in Redmond, Wash.
A man walks on the Microsoft headquarters campus Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, in Redmond, Wash.   (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
The Microsoft booth is shown at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Friday, Jan. 9, 2009.
The Microsoft booth is shown at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Friday, Jan. 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
In this Jan. 7, 2009, file photo, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer delivers the keynote address at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
In this Jan. 7, 2009, file photo, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer delivers the keynote address at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)
Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer thinks of an answer during an interview with the Associated Press, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2008, at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer thinks of an answer during an interview with the Associated Press, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2008, at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Guest
Feb 13, 2009 2:35 AM CST
Battle with Apple? Microsoft would not be the same company without Apple, thats why Gates kept them from going under.

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