We’ve seen official Apple stores and official Samsung stores, and later this year, Australia will see its first official Microsoft store, as the big M plonks itself down in Sydney.
Just like Samsung, and just like Apple, Microsoft will soon have something to showcase its video game systems, its operating system, its phones, and its computers to people passing by, as Microsoft brings its own store concept to Australia, the first place outside of North America to receive one.
“It will embody the world class innovation that you have come to expect from Microsoft and be a space where consumers — from teens who love gaming to parents who want to ensure their families are safe online, to small business owners looking for guidance – can visit and learn how to make the most of their technology, so they can make the most of every moment,” said Pip Marlow, Managing Director of Microsoft Australia in a blog post on Microsoft’s Australian website.
“We are also committed to being part of the fabric of the local community in which we’ll operate,” said Marlow, adding that “we will regularly donate volunteer hours, host community events, offer training workshops, support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and build deeper relationships with our customers, one person at a time.
“The space will be as much a place for engaging experiences as it is a retail store. It will complement our excellent retail partner network and be a natural extension of our existing online store.”
North America is home to over 110 Microsoft stores, spread out over the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, and while Australians currently have access to Microsoft’s online store, this will be the first time Australia will see a physical retail store presence, with the store setting up shop at Westfield Sydney at Pitt Street Mall and occupying two levels when it opens later this year.
