Microsoft plans to open two of its first retail locations in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mission Viejo, Calif. The software maker confirmed on Tuesday that it has signed leases in both spots as part of an effort to launch its first retail outlets this fall.
“Over a billion people use our products every day yet we don’t always have a way to directly connect with them,” said Microsoft spokeswoman Kim Stocks. “We see the physical stores, as well as a consistent online experience, helping that.”
The Orange County, Calif., store is in a mall that already houses an Apple retail store. Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner said at this month’s Worldwide Partner Conference that some of the locations would be right near Apple stores.
The first stores’ fall opening comes at an opportune time for Microsoft, which is launching Windows 7 on October 22.
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