Technology
Microsoft will close all its retail stores permanently
On physical retail, Microsoft gives up. The Company has today confirmed plans to close down all the Microsoft Store locations in the US and around the world, except for four sites that will be "reimagined" as experiential centres.
The locations include New York City (Fifth Ave), London (Oxford Circus), Sydney (Sydney Westfield), and Redmond Campus. Just about a year ago, the London store opened. The company will close its its Microsoft store locations in and internationally in the U.S. and focus on digital retailing.
Microsoft states that "up to 1.2 billion monthly customers in 190 markets are served through Microsoft & Xbox & Windows."
The company informs The Verge that the decision today will not entail layoffs. "This diverse talent pool is more critical than ever in our effort to expand and build careers," David Porter, Microsoft Store VP, said in a LinkedIn blog.
A source with knowledge about the retail activities of Microsoft told The Verge that, initially, the Plan was in place for next year, but the COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated. This day is being launched by Microsoft's Xbox Series X, so it makes sense that at least the company originally planned to make the storage far.
The Surface Neo dual screen system which was also going on ship in the holidays was delayed, while this year's Surface Duo seems to be still on track. Nevertheless, you have to see elsewhere if you were hoping that your local Microsoft Store is a safe bet for a new Xbox.
The major decision explains in part why after the pandemic had all been closed, Microsoft still had to re-open one store.
Microsoft said last week that the Verge "has measured and controlled its approach to the reopening of Microsoft Store locations, guided by monitoring global data, listening to experts on public health and safety and monitoring local government restrictions."
The company at the time refused to give an clarification if any stores could be reopened.
