RSSIs Microsoft Store just a cheap Apple Store rip-off?
By Joe Wilcox | Published November 28, 2009, 4:14 PM
Yesterday, Black Friday 2009, I drove 70 miles north from San Diego to Mission Viejo, Calif. My goal: To answer that question. In October, Microsoft opened two retail outlets, in Arizona and California, that do remind of Apple Store.
Tech bloggers, particularly those in the Mac camp, have repeatedly slammed Microsoft for imitating Apple and doing so badly. But as the saying goes, imitation is the best form of flattery -- and imitation is quite common in retail.
"It is not like there are infinite ways of doing retail," Stephen Baker, NPD's vice president of retail analysis, recently told me. "There are prescribed best practices; everybody copies everybody else if something works."
Geekdom seems obsessed with Apple and Microsoft copying each others' products or strategies, with retail stores being but the most recent example. In a November 3rd Betanews comment, reader Viking369 asked: "With more people on the web and tuned into the 'blogosphere,' is the perception of Microsoft copying Apple in terms of stores as bad for the brand as the presence of the stores is good? Does anyone actually know or care outside the geek world?"
My answer to the first question: The stores' presence is more important. To the second question: Probably not. My 15 year-old daughter accompanied me to The Shops at Mission Viejo, where the second Microsoft Store is located. Upon seeing Microsoft Store she immediately observed that it looks like an Apple Store. But she quickly added that Microsoft "could do things to improve" on the store concept. Those improvements are crucial to Microsoft reviving its brand.
Looking Inside Microsoft Store
Microsoft's Mission Viejo store is ideally located, and the company has fully capitalized on the advantage. Microsoft Store overlooks the mall's open-air pavilion, diagonally across from the food court, on the upper level. The store is easily visible from either of the mall's two levels. A large Microsoft Store banner rises above the large open space. Microsoft marketing placards adorn the second-level rails encircling the open-air area looking down on the lower level. Visibility is important in retail, and Microsoft Store has got plenty of it.
Like Apple Store, Microsoft's retail shop front is all glass (or perhaps plexiglass) that opens onto low, wooden tables displaying products. The floors appear to be wooden (even if they might not be). The layout is very reminiscent of Apple Store, with products displayed along both walls, as well as tables throughout. Along the left-side back wall there is software; games and gear can be found along the opposite back wall.
One of Microsoft Store's most distinctive features are video panels that go down the side walls to the back. In an Apple Store, colorful marketing material adorn the walls above products displayed below. By comparison, the video panels allow Microsoft to frequently change the content along the walls.
Down the store's center, towards the back is Microsoft's version of Apple's Genius Bar. There, Microsoft Gurus assist customers with technical service problems. Behind the Guru Bar is another Apple Store knock-off, a theater where Microsoft offers training and other tech activities.
In perhaps a sign of how much alike the Apple and Microsoft stores might look to regular consumers, I observed a woman with a MacBook at the Guru Bar early yesterday afternoon. I thought maybe she sought assistance with Macintosh Office. But looking over her shoulder, that's most certainly not what I saw on the Mac's Finder.
Microsoft Store was high energy on Black Friday. There is simply no better way to describe the chatter and excitement. Microsoft Store was extremely busy, like I've seen Apple Stores located in California, Maryland or Virginia. Microsoft Store employees kept the energy high by clapping for every customer buying a computer. The energy is as high outside the store as inside, where Microsoft has a Xbox 360 gaming display area. During my visit, I saw Microsoft Store employees and customers singing Karaoke together.
By the way, I didn't count number of Microsoft Store employees, but there sure were lots of them. Even with the store packed with customers, it felt like a 1:1 ratio between staff and shoppers. (By the way, the photos intentionally don't show many customers, for permission-use reasons.)
Geek versus Neat
Employees at Apple and Microsoft stores wear colored T-Shirts. There is something oh-so original Star Trek about Microsoft Store employees' red, yellow, blue and green T-Shirts. They subliminally add to store staffs' geek mystique. Surely, Microsoft has some unwritten policy that employees must look geek, because every employee at Microsoft Store Mission Viejo surely does. Better said: The staff looks more like normal people, just like the majority of customers. For me, the geek mystique instilled subliminal confidence every employee could answer any Windows PC question. The look is so different from employees working the Apple Store on the same level as Microsoft Store.
Microsoft is smart to put its stores in malls where Apple has retail shops, too. Microsoft has announced plans to do this, although there is no Apple Store at the Arizona mall -- Scottsdale Fashion Square. Mall colocation creates a sense of competition that is more personal. Employees at one store compete with others several hundred feet away -- if that far. They're competing not just for sales but for customers who will chose one of two different digital lifestyles. The Mac-Windows rivalry coalesces around people working the actual stores, not two ambiguous companies. I visited the Apple Store located near anchor store Nordstrom, for comparison. The energy was much higher at Microsoft Store.
Energy is one thing. Perception is another. Copycat accusations from the geek elite and reach of the social Web magnifies everything that Microsoft does. Example: Microsoft Store line dancing video that appeared online about two weeks ago. Baker and I discussed the video, which led to sneers and jeers from some tech bloggers, particularly in the Mac camp. I pointed out that near the end of the video, customers can be seen dancing with Microsoft Store employees. "That's nice! That's a positive thing that people are connecting with them in the store," Baker said.
As I've repeatedly written: Perception is everything in business, and Microsoft struggles to manage perception -- something I got a whiff of yesterday. I told one Microsoft Store employee that all the staff looked to me like real geeks, which set the discussion off on an unexpected tangent. "I just want to feel good about Microsoft," the staffer expressed. The employee clearly understood the mystique following Apple, while among many vocal techies there is disdain for Microsoft and continued copycat accusations. The staffer didn't need say how difficult feeling good about working for Microsoft could be when videos posted to YouTube make the company and its retail store employees look like goofballs.
"They can't get a break," Baker acknowledged. "Everybody turns it into goofy things," Baker said about the line dancing or Windows 7 House Party. I said it for him: They are not.
As for Microsoft Store, yes, it is an Apple Store imitation. But is it a bad imitation? No. Is imitation a bad thing? No. It's what retailers do. I enjoyed my visit to Microsoft Store. I hope Microsoft opens plenty more stores and nearby to Apple shops. The competition will make computer shopping better for everyone.
[Photo Credits: Joe Wilcox]
Next...Is Walmart Store just a cheap Target Store rip-off?
Score: 0
|It sure has the look and feel of an Apple Store. Well, it's about time: better advice and service, and NO crapware installed would be most welcome.
Score: 0
|Employees clapping? Now that's what I call poor employee robots instructed/programmed to lick customers' shoes.
Score: 0
|It would be nice if my city (Portland) could get some decent computer stores back downtown again. The core of the city is absolutely empty of a decent parts/computers only shop.
Score: 0
|The response from Apple fanboys and the anti-MS community is as typical as it is comical.
Apple didn't invent the concept of a shop.
It's not really big news when two companies in the same industry sector do similar things. Especially if that similar thing is opening a shop!
Score: 5
|Intelligent people will welcome more the extra competition in this retail sector, which is dominated by a handful of major retailers.
I welcome the opportunity to purchase these excellent products direct from MS.
Score: 4
|One of the best things purchase-wise is the fact that all the machines are de-crapified: no Trial-software, ad-ware, crippleware, etc. MS cleanly RE-installs Windows; adding Windows Live and MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials). Considering the machines are similiarly priced to the same offerings directly from Dell, HP, etc that's enough reason alone to purchase from a Microsoft Store.
Score: 2
|Of course Microsoft is gonna have to copy the Apple store for a little while, to confuse the would-be Apple buyers and calm the ex-Apple users (similar experience -- "feels like home").
Eventually MS will take customer, employee, and expert advice on how to better their stores. Probably having at least a few hot girls (and guys) would always help cheer up both customers AND EMPLOYEES. Eye candy is important on all levels.
Another thing they'll probably do (since it'll prove highly effective) is get away from the "clean" look from the outside. That is, place sexy thin displays inside the store against the glass doors facing outside walker-by's. Content would have to grab the attention to GO IN but not CROWD OUTSIDE. As soon as a crowd gathers, an employee pushes a button that displays the msg "come inside to learn more" which will immediately disperse the crowd.
They should also sell coffee in specialized high spill-resistant cups and give the coffee free to anyone that the employees feel demonstrates a genuine interest in a particular product.
In other words: always room for improvement.
Score: 2
|I visited the new MS store in Phoenix and had a very good experience. I talked to three employees and they were all very friendly and knowledgeable. The array of working demo stations is really impressive. I would recommend checking out these stores if you get a chance.
I do like the Apple stores but I spend most of my time there getting our college kids Mac Book and Mac Book Pro repaired. Both machines have proven to be very expensive lemons from a hardware perspective.
If you need a reliable laptop and want great service and accurate information, go to the new Microsoft store. If you need an iPod, you can buy one from a vending machine or any Best Buy.
Score: 8
|You forgot to mention. The differences is, least an Apple or Microsoft Store, they'll hire someone(I hope) that knows about the product. Not like Futureshop or BestBuy, sales person who'll push products based on their commission. You can't always blame Toshiba, Dell, Apple or Microsoft saying.. they produce crappy products. Having someone from BestBuy(example and not picking them) saying.. Ohh ya,,, you can buy a Vista system with 1gb of ram and you'll need Norton Internet Security to run the system because it's the best antivirus out there. The customer not aware their computer doesn't have the resource and purchased a memory hog software.
Score: 1
|Aside from tech junkies and geeks, I doubt the average consumer is going to give much in-depth thought as to the originality of the store. In fact, in makes no sense whatsoever to walk into the store if you need something there and then walk out solely because it seems too similar to an Apple store.
Score: 5
|If you think the Apple Store design was something fresh... you need to take a refresher on retail design 101. The modern/minimalist materials... brushed aluminum, butcher block or similar tables, wood flooring, glass storefronts, etc, it's where specialty stores are going, especially technology stores. As others have said, pop by a Bose store sometime, or newer music stores. I know a FYE in a mall down the street with a very similar design, are they copying Apple too?
I'm not defending Microsoft, but I do want to quash ridiculous assumptions like that. The celebratory dancing or clapping when a purchase is made isn't anything new, either. No, you won't see it in a Best Buy or other giganto-store, but these smaller outlets? Yep. Heck, go to TGI Friday's or Chilis or some other "nostalgia" restaurant and you'll get the same singing and clapping when someone orders a birthday brownie. Does it improve the customer experience? No. Is it an attempt to bring a little lightheartedness to an otherwise drab retail experience? Yes. It may or may not work on you, but it is what it is and it isn't anything uniquely Apple.
Score: 8
|It's like saying Burger King copied off McDonald design. Almost every fast food designed are almost similar or look alike. The same when you go to K-mart or Wall-mart. Every store/restaurant or business will look similar. It'll always be your choice on which one you will go to. Not base on because someone says so or appearances.
Score: 3
|Great first impressions of the Microsoft Store and thanks for answering my question from earlier, Joe!
I agree that Microsoft should stick their stores next to Apple stores, for one Apple did their homework on where to put stores so that of Apple's target market people as many as possible are reached. This is the exact group of people for which Microsoft needs to stem the tide of defection. Plus I agree that the whole adversarial thing keeps the Microsoft stores in the blogonews.
2 somewhat unrelated questions:
1.) Is this clapping for purchases unique to Apple and now Microsoft or is that a "normal" American buying experience? I tell you what, this would just not fly in Australia and personally it strikes me as more than a little creepy.
2.) Is the D-LUX a replacement for your PEN? Would you recommend it? Have you looked at the Lumix LX3 when deciding to get it?
Score: 2
|@Viking369 The clapping is new to me, but other commenters say clapping occurs at some car dealers. Personally, I would be embarrassed if walking out of the store to clapping.
Yes, the D-LUX replaces the PEN E-P1, which a friend begged me for. I sold it to him for a little less than what I paid. I looked at five different cameras before choosing the D-LUX 4: Panasonic Lumix LX3, Canon PowerShot S90, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 and Sigma DP2. I used the Sigma DP1, which takes absolutely fabulous pictures, but it's slow and complicated to use; so no Sigma DP2. The Cyber-shot WX1 takes surprisingly good photos (I tried one out); it's a great value, because of the G lens. I would have bought the S90 for the multi-function ring around the lens, if video had been 720p instead of 640x480.
My final decision came down to the LX3 or D-LUX 4, both which also shoot 720p video. I shamelessly paid more for the D-LUX for the Leica name, styling I liked better than the LX and -- in blind tests comparing images -- ever so slightly sharper images from the D-LUX 4. But those differences are subtle. Since the LX3 and D-LUX 4 are essentially the same camera, I would recommend that most people save on the lower-selling price Panasonic.
I'll soon write a couple camera buying primers for holiday shoppers. Look for them as early as this week.
Score: 0
|Hi Joe,
Thanks for that...! Your thinking is very much in line with mine as far as cameras are concerned. I am not convinced that the DP2's slow operations will give a good end result - foveon or not - but I would easily pay an extra 20-40% more for the Leica or Voightlaender names alone..! :)
I very much look forward to your camera guides! Personally my next camera will be a film-based m-mount rangefinder just for the hell of it! :) (if i can find an affordable one...)
Score: 0
|@Joe: I can vouch for the clapping thing at car dealers... We just recently purchased a new 2009 Mini Cooper and they clapped as we drove it out of the back bay. It was kind of strange to see almost 10 people standing there clapping like we just won a 10 mile marathon or something...
Score: 0
|Of course the review is weird, they went by look alone. Heaven forbid we get an article from the Apple Boys here at BetaNews about how customer service was, what the expertise level of the employee's were etc.
BetaNews should really start retooling this website into an Apple FanClub. I remember back in the day when you guys used to actually put out...Beta NEWS!
Score: 4
|@mmoak Customer service shouldn't be evaluated based on a single visit.
Exactly what is "Apple FanClub" about this post? Apple borrowed many concepts used in its stores from other retailers, as Microsoft did from Apple, among others. Black Friday is a big news topic. There are only two Microsoft Stores -- meaning most people won't get to see one -- and they've been open for just a few weeks. That's not news?
Score: 2
|I do agree with mmoak. I used to love coming to Betanews reading about reviews and upcoming softwares. They should be calling this site. ComputerNews.com Guess it's back to FileForum reading users feedback.
Score: 2
|Funny, there seem to be a lot of anti-Apple articles here, but I guess you don't see that.
BetaNews has turned into an opinion site, though. It seems only 1 in 50 articles deals with beta news.
Score: 0
|Microsoft needs its own store to push its stuff. The benefit of going to an Apple store is that the people tend to be more professional and knowledgeable than your weekend hire at Best Buy, Office Depot, Staples, etc... who really don't know anything about computers or software. I've heard way too many lies from these people about things they really don't know. Another reason why Apple stores are successful is that people can play with their products, use it, and it works.
Going to these chains you run into problems with products not working, screens locked so you can't play with it, etc... How can you entice someone to buy your product if they can't play around with it because its just a plastic replica of the actual device or its locked behind Plexiglas? Since it is a major investment in many of these people's minds. They will want to take it for a "test drive" before they commit to it.
So yes, I'm looking forward to a Microsoft store opening up near me so I can actually play with a Zune that works, check out the hardware, etc... because the chain stores suck at providing this experience. If Microsoft does a good job at running these stores, it is only more money in their pockets.
Score: 2
|Other than how the store and employees looked, how about a review of the function of the store.
Did you check out any computers or software? Were the computers all fully functional and easy to access? Were they laid out logically and did the store allow for you to make comparisons for eventual purchase? Did you ask any pre or post purchase questions of the employees about Microsoft products and services, and if so how well did they respond?
If you base all of your judgements in life on looks alone you are not going to get very far.
Score: 7
|@Realist I may get to those questions in a subsequent post. But briefly now: Yes, all the computers functioned, and they were easy to access. They were laid out logically in the store, but not as obviously by function -- photos, videos, etc. -- as in Apple Store. The sales staff answered questions intelligently. I did not inquire about training services, but Microsoft posts sessions and times on the store's Website.
Score: 1
|Your analysis is a little weird, Mr. Wilcox. Looking geekish does not instill confidence in the average consumer. Yes, looking geekish can work for a lot of consumers who are geeks because there is some mutual (or at least assumed) understanding. But the average consumer who walks into either an Apple Store or Microsoft Store is not going to be a geek. The geek demeanour is not going to be helpful.
I thought the coloured panels of the railings at the mall gave a very kindergarten theme to the Microsoft store. Yes, I understand why it was used. They are the colours of Microsoft. However, they way it is laid out makes it very a) garrish, b) kindergarten-like as if one were entering a children's toyland full of crazy childish matching of colours!
I remember way back when Apple's logo was a rainbow coloured Apple. Now, that worked for a while but it began not to work as that rainbow hue was beginning to be anchoring Apple back in the days of hippies and the days of the 70s and 80s. It wasn't working because time was moving on (FORWARDS). That's when Apple redesigned its logo but making the logo single coloured but keeping the same design.
While Microsoft doesn't necessarily need to change the colours of their logo (I think their logo is okay) the way other coloured elements of the store (and mall) that are used definitely needs rethinking. As I said, it's very childish looking and all around immature.
Score: 2
|The Best thing that came out of Microsoft in the passed 10 years has been the XBOX. The reason they remain the dominant monster they are is because of the stronghold they have in the corporate world. Let's face it, MS has no innovative flair, never did, and has no clue where they're going. The tech world moves fast and although they remain a serious player they may find the next 10-15 years to be quite different than the last.
Score: -7
|I definitely would LOVE to a) see Microsoft go downhill and no longer be dominant, or b) if they are to continue being dominant please put their billions of dollars to good use and actually be innovative, creative, and user-experience oriented.
Why doesn't MS f-ing get it? They have tons of money and for sure they can find ways to be creative, innovative and give users a good computing experience. What I think they get stuck on is their old ways and old foundations. That's why they are unable to move forwards with the times. They are tethering themselves too strongly to the past (a past that worked then but is starting not to work now). If they don't change their ways, I will gleefully be watching them go kaput.
Score: -6
|Who cares what it looks like as long as they get the 'job' done, I sure don't walk around comparing OfficeDepot, Staples or BestBuy to see who placed what where'
Dumb article.
Score: 2
|I really don't get why people get upset because someone copied one concept from another especially a concept that works. That mini studio in the Apple Store, I've seen that in other tech stores. It's really stupid because every company and industry does this.
Score: 8
|You're getting ahead of yourself, Joe. There's not an Apple store yet in Washington DC proper, though one is under construction.
Score: 0
|@SterlingNorth. Hahaha, you're right. Living in DC area, it all seems like Washington. I meant the Clarendon store in Arlington. I'll remove Washington from the list of cities in the post.
Score: -1
|There is an Apple Store in Tyson's Corner, VA
http://www.shoptysons.com/directory.asp
Score: -3
|@nova176 It was Apple's first retail store. I covered the opening in May 2001 for CNET News.com
Score: 0
|in the article, did you mean mystique, instead of mystic?
mystique = An aura of heightened value, interest, or meaning surrounding something
mystic = Of or relating to religious mysteries or occult rites and practices.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com
Score: 0
|@rgt Corrected. Thanks.
Score: 0
|Actually I didn't notice any customers joining in on the dancing. I noticed customers behaving embarassedly, going on with their shopping and browsing, putting their heads down praying to dear god that they weren't going to get roped in and that it would soon be over. I did notice the same silly girls, middle-aged women, and weird old guys, that would join into an electric slide or BEP singalong at any random event because they don't get out much, don't have a social life, or it was the most fun they had in months, from within the mall. I doubt any made any purchases, and those that were there to actually shop were annoyed and embarassed.
Also, I don't get why red, yellow, blue, and green s***s (why is 6-letter s***s being interpreted and censored as 5-letter craps? It's just a garment for crying out loud.) make you feel like they are competent. They look like the same kids that are employed at Apple Stores or Abercrombie and Fitch for that matter (just less attractive) to me. Maybe it's your own love of, dependence on, and desire for Microsoft to succeed that is transferring some level of competence on them?
Score: -4
|"Also, I don't get why red, yellow, blue, and green s***s (why is 6-letter s***s being interpreted and censored as 5-letter craps? It's just a garment for crying out loud.) make you feel like they are competent. They look like the same kids that are employed at Apple Stores or Abercrombie and Fitch for that matter (just less attractive) to me. Maybe it's your own love of, dependence on, and desire for Microsoft to succeed that is transferring some level of competence on them?"
Uh, because Microsoft's colors are red, green, blue and yellow - how is that difficult to understand? It blends in with the whole MS theme and gives it a feeling they belong. Its the same with any company that has a uniform it gives it a more professional aesthetic. Thus a competent look, now whether they truly are is a different side altogether.
"Actually, I didn't notice any customers joining in on the dancing. I noticed customers behaving embarassedly, going on with their shopping and browsing, putting their heads down praying to dear god that they weren't going to get roped in and that it would soon be over. I did notice the same silly girls, middle-aged women, and weird old guys, that would join into an electric slide or BEP singalong at any random event because they don't get out much, don't have a social life, or it was the most fun they had in months, from within the mall. I doubt any made any purchases, and those that were there to actually shop were annoyed and embarassed."
Also, it may be ridiculous but Joe is still right, there are plenty of customers dancing and clapping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJCEG8dhV5c
Its clear you are an Apple fanboy as you don't even understand the basics of Windows
Also, I would like to point out the majority of Apple's ideas for their store came from CompUSA and Micro Center.
Finally, NO ONE complains that Kroger (Ralphs) looks like another grocery store or that Best Buy looks like another techology store. Only fanboys care about this nonsense. Everyone else? They care what store offers the best prices and provides the best experience for them.
Score: 2
|Using those colours of red, green, blue and yellow in those tones is very childish looking and immature. They need to tone down the colours and make it more subtle. Once again, MS has no clue about design.
Score: -6
|The only costumer I noticed in the dancing video was the woman shoplifting towards the end of the video :D
Score: -2
|"shop front is all glass (or perhaps plexiglass) that opens onto low, wooden tables displaying products. The floors appear to be wooden (even if they might not be). The layout is very reminiscent of Apple Store, with products displayed along both walls, as well as tables throughout. Along the left-side back wall there is software; games and gear can be found along the opposite back wall."
That also describes my local RadioShack and AT&T store. It's modern interior design.
Score: 4
|Same for a Bose store. Similar displays, eager experts on hand to help. Theaters in the back. There are common features for all retail -- especially those who cater to a high-end crowd.
Score: 4
|I'm sorry Joe I don't buy your argument.
Precisely because of Microsoft's reputation for having good enough but not great products and coping Apple, the design of the store needed to be a step up in the reestablishment of MS brand. These store are addressing the consumer market, not the huge clientele that they have in the business word or the very small but vocal "geek" crowd. The whole reason of going into retail is to stop the communization slide of the PC and gadget market that in the beginning made MS so successful but now make it's product seem as dated, overtly complex, hard to make money off of and not something you really desire. It was a purely defensive move made to keep some of there existing users from feeling left out. Apple now is so much more of electronics life style company and MS gotten in ruts so deep that it is extremely hard for them to expand there appeal out side their established markets. ( like to the higher / more profitable end of the market ). To me, it was another lost opportunity to show the public that they not just about mass markets and utility software. Yes good retailers and designers borrow ideas in form and function but they also make statements about the brand. First hand reports talk about that the tables are "laminate" not real wood and other cheaper material choices, again with the "good enough theme". MS need to relaunch their consumer side (windows 7 seems a start). A fresh look did not have to copy Apple's so closely that every one could tell, especially after Apple store have been established for years. I makes the MS look like they can't come up with even their own look and feel. I'm not sold they will stay with it or make money (another loss leader) but if they going to bother with a new venture it would be nice that they showed some creativity and enhanced their brand.
Score: -4
|Well said
Score: -4
|Very well said, Oz_Design. In the article, Stephen Baker, NPD's vice president of retail analysis was quoted as saying "It is not like there are infinite ways of doing retail." AHA! That to me is a sign of someone NOT creative, NOT innovative, and tying themselves to old methods of the past that probably worked but are beginning NOT to work.
Let's think about this a little deeply, shall we? Baker's statement is suggesting that there are no better ways than Apple's way of doing retail because "it is not like there are infinite ways of doing retail." If that were so, then how is it that Apple's own stores came out pretty innovative when it first started with their genius bar, theatre, phone reservations, demonstration displays? There ARE many ways to do something and while one rendition of execution is a good way doesn't mean there aren't others.
What Stephen Baker is suggesting then is that retail display and experience is now at its height and no more innovation will ever be had because "it is not like there are infinite ways of doing retail." Do we buy that? Obviously not, because things keep changing all the time and hence a best practice is not always a best practice and in fact there CAN be more than one best practice.
I think it only goes to show that a) Stephen Baker himself is fairly convention and non-innovative, b) Microsoft is yet again on the bandwagon and is not using its own rich resources to actually be innovative.
Sometimes I just want to slap Microsoft silly, like jolt them into waking up. They have the resources! Now put them to good use!!!
Score: -5
|I just viewed the YouTube video clip as per the above link. I'm pretty much a geezer now, but the first thought that came to mind was "How gay!" I know that sounds homophobic and it's not meant to be -- it's no doubt very un-politically correct -- but it's what my granddaughter would say sometimes. So any of you "younger" (and wiser) ones, please suggest an alternative expression. But I suppose I really meant, "How EMBARRASSING" or "How RIDICULOUS." If I was in the store at that time, I would have left -- pronto.
You are correct in that the analogy between Staples and Office Depot is not valid in this case. Why? Because they are just another sort of "big box" stores that market all sorts of brands (that's changing though, with Staples, but still, it wasn't like that at first.) MS is PRETENDING to be innovative. What does it really have hardware-wise? Zune. And besides that, it's OS. It is SO OBVIOUS that MS is still playing the "copy cat" game. It has no imagination. Even its OS is a copy of the Apple OS (remember the WYSIWYG law suit years ago). MS's products and its OS, to use my granddaughter's expression, "just sucks." I would be ashamed to be shouting on the roof-tops about this "store" if I was a Windows user. I would just quietly go about my business working in the MS environment for what ever reason I "had to" or perhaps even choose to. But to insinuate that MS is an innovating company and that there in nothing OBVIOUSLY "wrong" with this store, is OBVIOUSLY pissing in the wind.
Score: -6
|Joe, you seem to be someone who is trained to read and write in American English. Why do you insist on using the ungrammatical "Microsoft store" when you clearly need to use the definite article "The Microsoft store"? If you need a copyeditor's help, you should not be afraid to ask.
Score: -3
|@conzios Use of "the" implies the only store. Also, there is no article in front to emphasize Microsoft Store as more than just this one location but a retail strategy. From my perspective, the mistake: "the" appearing before any use of Microsoft Store in the post. If you find any instance, please let me know.
Score: 1
|"As for Microsoft Store, yes, it is an Apple Store imitation. But is it a bad imitation? No. Is imitation a bad thing? No. It's what retailers do."
It is sure what Microsoft does. Copying Apple since 1984.
" Example: Microsoft Store line dancing video that appeared online about two weeks ago. Baker and I discussed the video, which led to sneers and jeers from some tech bloggers"
That is not only painful to watch, it has been outed as video astroturf. It wasn't "spontaneous", it was staged. Furthermore, did you catch the woman shoplifting in the middle?
Score: -4
|"Microsoft Store employees clap whenever a customer purchases a Windows PC"
How embarrassing - shop elsewhere................
Score: -3
|They do this at car dealerships too and take pictures - some people like having fun and being given the feeling they have truly bought something they can be proud of.
Not everyone can be a elitist
Score: 0
|You are obviously introverted. The store's mantra is all about celebrating the Microsoft experience in a very public manner and sharing a public congratulations for making a major purchase is part of that. If you don't like that, I'm sure there are many Bests Buys and Office Deposts that would love to take your money from you.
Score: 0
|I agree. Now, these little gimmicks can work the first day of being open or the first week of being open. But when done over and over again it becomes trite, senseless, and they lose their catchet. I hope MS stops doing this clapping thing. The constantly "happy people mood" is a little a) fake, b) disconcerting, c) disingenuous (oh I repeated that, but this time for double measure...hahaha), d) tiring.
Score: 0
|Embarrassing to you means little.
Take the silver spoon out of your mouth and go out and see how man companies celebrate a good day. More then you think or have someone think for you.
Score: 0
|There are people out there who still hasn't purchased or own a computer yet. You'll be amaze how happy they'll be. Like like when I went to see Star Wars Ep 4 remaster in theater. a 60yrs guy walks out. "I've never seen star wars in my entire life and I was impressed". The same when I actually had my picture taken with the car dealer and restate person when I purchased my first car and house. It's called customer satisfaction... How would you like going to a Microsoft Store or Apple Store and the sales person says... You've got what you want, get lost.. I'm busy with another person.
Go to a restaurant called "Joe's Crab Shack". They'll still give you the same gimmick everyday by entertaining their customer. Doesn't matter if it's grand opening. They'll keep the customer happy and satisfied.
Score: 1
|Yes, Microsoft's employees' Electric Cringe dance seemed to be commanded to some sense of cool. I learnt that the stores' grand openings' crowds were driven by two singers well known to tweens and teens.
Would people in Scottsdale or Mission Viejo be the kind of people to own a product with Windows?
Is manufactured cool enough to sell products?
Score: 0
|I like your term "manufactured cool". The MS clapping thing with customers buying computers, the line dancing, or group dancing...all of that is trying too hard to be cool and that itself is uncool.
Even young kids know this. In order to be cool, you don't want to look like you're trying to hard. That has been the case for a long time and currently that is still the case. Microsoft tries so hard to be cool that by that mere earnestness they are already uncool.
Score: -2
|Looks like The Gap.
Score: -2
|But can the Microsoft Store imitate the profit, as much of what's for sale is actually someone else's stuff? Can this retail effort actually make money for Microsoft, and how exactly is it going to be reported in MSFT earnings?
Score: 0
|@jon_fabritius Microsoft Store will have tough time imitating Apple Store profit. Bigger value will be marketing and branding.
Score: -2
|@jon_fabritius: I think realized Microsoft has learned that Windows/Office will not be the profit maker it has been in the past because of the dropping prices in the PC market. Unless the average cost of a computer rises, they will have a difficult time matching Apple's profits. They have almost hit market saturation.
This is why we will see them put more emphasis on the mobile market, gaming market, and possible hardware market (i.e. Microsoft Courier). If the Microsoft Courier could be as good as it seems it might be with the right price and marketing, it could be a game changer in the market and help Microsoft reap huge profit margins.
Apple essentially reinvented itself with the iPod... Microsoft could do the same with the development of something that is a market changer too.
Score: 0
|Further more it wouldn't have to make one penny of profit, just break even to be a huge success. In my mind the idea isn't profit, it's branding, marketing, and having stores to showcase the best that the Microsoft ecosystem has to offer. I would love to have one of these stores near me.
Score: 1
|o'rly?
Windows 7 beats out OSX in sales in November
http://www.examiner.com/...SX-in-sales-in-November
Score: 0
|Are you basing on just computers and OS sales alone? or iPhone, iTouch or iPod as part of the sales?
Score: 1
|