Earlier today, Microsoft announced that its massive 22,269 square foot "flagship" retail store on 677 5th Avenue in New York City will finally open on October 26. However, that doesn't mean the end for a older and smaller store located a number of blocks away at The Shops on Columbus Circle.
The location is labeled as a Microsoft "specialty" store and was launched a few years ago as a kiosk-like place that sold Windows Phones, Surface tablets and Xbox consoles. Today, a Microsoft spokesperson told Windows Central:
"Microsoft specialty stores, like Microsoft at The Shops at Columbus Circle, are located across the U.S. and Canada. These stores have a smaller footprint and offer a select, curated assortment of best-in-class products. Full line stores and the upcoming flagship stores are larger in footprint and showcase a more robust lineup of products and services that Microsoft has to offer. Both formats are designed to provide our customers with a premium retail experience and the outstanding choice, value and service they've come to expect. We have no plans to close our Columbus Circle location at this time and are excited to offer our New York customers multiple ways to enjoy the Microsoft experience."
Besides the new NYC opening on Oct. 26. Microsoft has announced new stores that will launch in Tampa, Florida on November 5; King of Prussia, Pennsylvania on November 7; and its first non-North American store in Sydney, Australia on November 12. Beyond that date, Microsoft told us, "While we're exploring several locations for future Microsoft stores, we have no other new store locations to share at this time."
