Microsoft teams up with Best Buy to launch Windows Stores

Some 600 stores to be opened across North America, but Microsoft tight-lipped on whether the UK will get in on the act

Microsoft is looking to boost consumer sales of its tablets, PCs, phones, software and gaming products with the introduction of some 600 Windows retail outlets in partnership with Best Buy.

The Windows Stores will be rolled out across North America, with 500 in the US and 100 in Canada, and will form part of Best Buy and Future Shop department stores.

These are on top of the 68 dedicated stores Microsoft has recently launched off its own steam across North America.

It is unclear whether similar outlets will be rolled out globally, and Microsoft UK was unavailable to comment when questioned by CRN.

The stores – which will be rolled out between late June and early September and will range between 1,500 and 2,200 square feet – will be the place to go for consumers to see, try, compare and purchase products and accessories, claimed the vendor.

Microsoft's chief marketing officer Chris Capossela said some 1,200 staff will be on hand to assist consumers across the stores, and added that the Best Buy partnership will see the vendor's wares available on the firm's website as well as its stores.

He added: "We have heard a lot from customers over the past year. They are buying tablets and other devices to complement their PCs. They're using technology both at work and at play, and it is blurring how they think of using tech in their lives.

"At the same time, they have asked us to showcase touch-first devices in a compelling retail environment.

"We have listened, and the story of the Windows Store is that we have delivered what customers want: more touch, more hands-on experiences and more opportunities to see Microsoft technologies and how they work together."