Microsoft has announced plans to open a chain of branded retail stores around the US, as part of its effort to raise awareness about its products.
It has appointed David Porter as the corporate vice president of its new Retail Stores division. He will report to COO Kevin Turner. Prior to his new role, Porter was head of worldwide product distribution at DreamWorks Animation. Before that he worked for Wal-Mart Stores for 25 years.
The company is following the footsteps of rival Apple, which opened its first retail store in 2001 and now operates 251 branded stores worldwide.
Turner said: This is an exciting time with our strong lineup of upcoming product releases including Windows 7 and new releases of Windows Live and Windows Mobile. We’re also working hard to transform the PC and Microsoft buying experience at retail by improving the articulation and demonstration of the Microsoft innovation and value proposition so that it’s clear, simple and straightforward for consumers everywhere.
The US recession has severely affected the retail sector with electronics stores badly hit. Last November Circuit City filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and in December Best Buy laid off thousands of employees.
