Microsoft may open retail stores in UK in 2013

Depending on the success rate in North America, technology giant Microsoft could open new UK retail stores

15:09 27 November 2012

Following the phenomenal success of rival Apple, Financial Times has reported that Microsoft is currently talking with UK landlords as they try to find the best potential locations for new retail stores.

 

This is Microsoft’s latest move to compete with Apple’s stores, which reportedly proved to be a huge help in building the brand. However, Microsoft’s retail venture may not be as simple as Apple’s stores, which mainly sell iPad’s and Iphone’s.

Microsoft sells different devices developed by several firms that use Windows Phone and Windows 8 software, such as the Nokia Lumia 920 and the HTC Windows Phone 8X.

Aside from these, the technology giant Microsoft may also need to consider the PCs running on Windows software.

However, it is understood that Microsoft has announced the creation of a set-top box with its own-branded Surface tablet. This may be the most significant move into hardware that may hint at a Windows-only future for its devices and software.

Microsoft are expected to decide whether or not to open UK retail stores based on their performance across North America, which is thought to include the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada.