Following in the footsteps of tech giants Apple and Samsung, Microsoft are today unwrapping a brand new flagship store in Sydney.
Advertisement
The 557 square-metre store in the Pitt Street Mall, aims to be more than a straight retail outlet.
“This is not a short-term play”, Mrs Marlow said.
The physical shop, which is the first to launch outside of North America, features plenty of Microsoft tech, such as bloat-free Windows laptops, Surface’s galore, and an Answer Desk for open PC support. There are echoes of Apple’s Genius Bar, and Microsoft says it’s happy to see iPads and Macs come across the desk for troubleshooting. But this wasn’t an Apple Store opening, this was Microsoft’s bold new flagship store staking its ground thousands of kilometres away from all its brethren in the US. Instead, customers can pick them up and walk around the store while trying them out.
Mr Tresize even got his new Xbox signed by the store manager.
Microsoft has 60 staff on the floor in roles ranging from customer service to business and technical support.
The report claims that Microsoft United Kingdom executives “have briefed property investment companies” on its plans, adding that the company is “working with retailers for experiential stores”, although it did not elaborate further on exactly what that might entail.
Products available through the store include new Surface devices, such as the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 and the new fitness wearable, Microsoft Band 2. All Microsoft products would be available under one roof.
However, not all of Sydney CBD shared the enthusiasm of the Microsoft zealots.
FOLLOWING the successful launch of its NY flagship store on Fifth Avenue, Microsoft has turned its attention to the Australian market.
Microsoft Australia managing director Pip Marlow said it will be conducting a program for its commercial customers who are based in the city.
The new Sydney store will open at 12pm and there will be a concert at 7pm at the State Theatre featuring British singer-songwriter Jessie J and Ellie Drennan, this year’s victor of Nine’s The Voice Australia.
Advertisement
Microsoft’s store is created to be a community-focused space that encourages customers to handle its products, hang out there, and get help with all their Microsoft products and services – even if those services live on a non-Microsoft machine. You’ll need to be among the first 750 to visit the store earlier in the day to get tickets.
