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Microsoft to permanently close its retail stores

theverge.com

1–10 of 290 posts

Re: Microsoft to permanently close its retail stores

#2
While I am not surprised, I am disappointed by this.

Only because of the state of tech stores in Boston, if I needed something that wasn't Apple (gaming mostly) they were the only other tech store I could reasonably walk or take the train too. Microcenter isn't super close to a train station.

Re: Microsoft to permanently close its retail stores

#7

These stores always seemed like a desperate attempt to copy apple. Which would be fine if they had product lines that were interesting. But they don't.

I think in the case its more that Apple has discovered what retail really is in a digital-first world. It's a way to build brand relationship, not a retail storefront. I suspect this will be the paradigm for brick & mortar for decades, and I don't think MS is wrong to copy this pattern (many others are!)

Re: Microsoft to permanently close its retail stores

#8
post #3

Turns out that building radio sets out of coconut shells won’t actually make the planes come back. Were these ever super profitable, or did they just count under brand marketing?

Those kind of stores are mostly a marketing tool. That works quite well if done correctly.

Re: Microsoft to permanently close its retail stores

#10
very interesting on the verge of their new console hardware launch.

the stores had a such a strong "games" presence that I assumed it would be critical showpiece of them-- especially if they have an All Digital hardware edition which meant (albeit dying) retailers like Gamestop would probably not carry the console.

it's a shame, regardless. i always had such a good customer experience there.

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