Microsoft Retail Stores?????

[morriswindgate]

(Redmond, WA) July 16,2002: The Republic has learned today, that with in the next six months Microsoft will announce plans to enter the brick and mortar retail sector in a big way. Sources inside the software giant have told us that the plan is to install, so called Microsoft Stores, in 3000 Outlet malls across North America. The store will sell the current line of Microsoft branded products, such as keyboards, mice, software, and the, soon to be available, inexpensive personal computer line.
In a telephone interview Mr. J.K. Dawson, (Senior Fellow, Retail Merchants Association of America) stated that this was a logical step and made perfect sense given the criticism of Microsoft brand products the past few years. Mr. Dawson told us, “The placing of these retail fronts in Outlet malls is brilliant strategy on the part of Microsoft. Outlet malls usually sell irregular products, ones that have imperfections or slight blemishes, at slightly lower prices than first line retail shops. Also, many times these products are sold “As Is” meaning that the buyer may only exchange or return the product for very limited reasons, with the imperfections not being a legitimate reason. In other words if it runs or it’s the right size it cannot be returned. The “As Is” status also means that Microsoft does not have to provide updates or security patches, since the buyer was aware that the product was not perfect when they bought it.” This alone should save Microsoft in development and support costs, not to mention the deflecting the numerous critics of Microsoft’s software security issues. Think of it this way, somebody discovers a security hole, in say, Outlook. Microsoft can now say, we knew it and that is the reason we are selling that version in our Outlet stores. I say it is a brilliant marketing plan.”
Additionally, our sources inside Microsoft also told us that they are now planning on releasing the next version of Windows directly to the Outlet store where it would be sold exclusively for at least the first twelve months. After which it would be made available to the first line retail market.

[DrZaius]

Looks like they will be making the FIC/C3 systems. Makes sense though... Apple has their own stores, and so does Gateway, why not Microsoft which is bigger than both. You won't catch me buying anything from there though.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Me neither, DrZ, me neither.

[ktkendall]

I don't suppose they will sell the OEM versions of their OS's there, but maybe if you buy a microsoft mouse they will sell you an OEM version. I think my Microsoft mouse has been the shortest lived mouse i've bought. I just pulled out my comp show 4.99 one for new laptop and it still works good! I must admit I really like buying where I walk away with product in hand though, as compared to mail order or online!

[Sauron]

You think they will sell their games at half price? I mean its a retail store! Actually it really is a brilliant idea on their part.

[mbossman2]

Why shouldn't MS go this way? Dell just opened kiosks in 3 of the local malls here showing off their systems. I guess thats to help them in the consumer market where the customer would like to see the system before buying it.

[doctorgonzo]

So, they are going to sell ready-made hacker exploits and they won't have to provide any updates or security for them. They are basically admitting that their products are below par and belong with other imperfect items in outlet malls. At least they are being honest.

[alexmacdonald]

Good Hoax, Dont believe it though.

[Mr N8]

I may buy their keyboards if they were to hit up any of the outlet malls in this area. Maybe the next AOE and flight sim, too.

[homer15]

i might buy some cdrw's if they sell them... hopefully i won't have to call to activate each cd before i burn something onto it, though.

[TimPoet]

Originally posted by alexmacdonald Good Hoax, Dont believe it though.

Ah, did ya have to give it away?

[Sauron]

Its a good idea. Showing your goods to the local person. Why do a lot of folks buy Compaqs, E-Machines, Dells, and so on. Cuz they are there. They see their little stores. Same with Microsoft. I wouldn't be suprised if their total revenue went way up.

[mairving]

Um, Compaq, E-machines and Dells don't have their own stores. Dell had a short disasterous experience with Walmart several years ago. Gateway and Apple have both had unpleasant experiences with retail stores. If there is a MS PC, which I doubt, then it would be better for them to sell them in Best Buys and the ilk. It would be a mistake for them to open their own store.

[Tuf]

Microsoft has long threatened to get in the PC Market. I'm not sure they would want to become competitors with their customers. The profit margin on systems is low enough I can't believe they will do it. Hopefully their own hardware would be supported by their own Operating System so it could be good. They probably make more profit selling some one a $60 mouse and a $70 keyboard than most makers make on a whole system.

[pam123]

I find myself taking a serious interest in Linux.