Microsoft in talks with landlords – Set to push Microsoft Stores to Europe in 2013

The Financial times are reporting that MS is now talking with UK landlords to secure outlets for opening its first stores outside of the Americas.

The company is said to be confident that the first outlets can be opened during 2013 pending an internal review of their US stores.

The internal review of their existing stores is said to be taking place to study how well they have performed and which formats have worked best. Currently MS have rolled out their retail stores in Canada, US and Puerto Rico but thus far no stores exist outside of the Americas. We have previously reported on rumours to take the stores globally but these talks could now signal more firm preparations.

As Microsoft increasingly moves to bolster their wider eco system offerings with Music, Video and cloud connected services they also have plans to increase their device portfolio. Seen as an essential part of their devices and services strategy is the need to produce computing devices to complement the services running in the cloud.

We have just seen the biggest shake up of products and services the company has ever rolled out. With that has come the addition of the Surface tablets and strong indications that MS are keen to produce their own smartphone. With the current product refresh we have seen traditional retailers fail to take advantage of the next wave and marketing has been weak leading some to speculate that sales of Windows 8 have thus far been weak.

Securing more retail outlets is seen as key to reversing a trend of negative mindshare from consumers about Microsoft. Having flagship stores will provide the best possible way to experience and buy into the MS eco system. Like Apple the MS stores offer classes and training for customers which during this time of massive changes to the UI across all its platforms could be invaluable in retaining folks who are confused by the new metro way of doing things.

Also of interest is that the US stores are to be put under the spotlight before any future expansion will get the green light. Just how well the existing retail outlets have done is difficult to determine but the need to provide a premium way to experience the products globally, even if in singular flagship stores is evident.

If rumours are true regarding a Surface Phone and new Xbox products then the stores will provide the best platform to show off their products to the public. 

Source: Financial Times

CATEGORIES
Robert Brand
Latest in Windows Phone
Windows Phones
Windows 10 Mobile’s app store bites the dust, half a decade after support ended
Lumia 950 XL
The director for one of 2025's best games was a Windows Phone fan, says Microsoft was "shocked" that he was voluntarily using it — I experienced similar
Lumia 1020 case with an iPhone SE (Gen 3) inside
Windows Phone revived: Tech Enthusiast "upgrades" Lumia 1020 with full-fledged iOS
Launcher 10 being used to make a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra look like a Windows Phone.
Here's how to turn your Android Phone into a 'Windows Phone' in 2024
POCO X3 Pro closeup shot featuring the back of the device.
Windows Phone in 2024?! Not exactly, but this is close.
iPhone home screen
Apple adding this feature to iOS 18 in 2024 is so basic it hurts my brain, and it makes me miss Windows Phone
Latest in News
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies mode screenshots for Shattered Veil map.
The next Call of Duty Zombies map, "Shattered Veil", is dropping earlier than expected
Helldivers 2
The new Helldivers 2 Illuminate Major Order is so important that we got a new stratagem for it
Hogwarts Legacy troll hero image
Hogwarts Legacy DLC reportedly canceled by WB Games
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Rumored Ubisoft and Tencent agreement comes to fruition with 25% stake and new division for the Assassin's Creed developer
In-game screenshot of the player consuming an enemy in Shadow Labyrinth
This isn't your grandpa's Pac-Man — Bandai Namco's iconic character gets a gritty new action game this Summer
Key art for Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D remake
Every PC and Xbox game shown off during Nintendo Direct March 2025