Retail Chatr

So today I decided to go check out the grand opening of the Microsoft retail store at Simon’s Shops at Mission Viejo.  I must say the store is impressive but the design does remind me of another retail store but I just can’t quite put my finger on which store that might be…..  The store was packed with customers, press, MS corporate types and store employees.  It was an all hands on deck opening for sure.  There is some very impressive technology shown off, specifically Microsoft’s Surface tabletop computer and HUGE touch screen monitor (videos embedded below).  Here are a few pictures of the interior of the store and the storefront.

Overall, the feel of the store is very similar to an Apple store, just without the cool products (except for the Surface and touch screen monitor).  Notably absent from the store was any indication that Microsoft has a presence in mobile communications.  I guess Windows Mobile 7 is not ready for prime time yet.  I can’t imagine that Microsoft will not devote a large portion of the store to their mobile initiative as soon as Windows Mobile 7 is released.

Here are a few videos I took.

This is a video of the “greeters” at the entrance to the store.  Clearly, these people were poached from TGI Friday’s by Microsoft:

Here is a video of the Surface tabletop computer:

Another Surface video:

This is the HUGE touchscreen monitor on the back wall of the store behind the Genius Bar “Answers” desk:

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