ARN

Microsoft to open direct retail outlets in Oz?

The software giant plans to take its direct retail strategy global, but is sketchy on the details

Microsoft is taking its direct retail model global and hasn’t denied it will open a self-branded store in Australia.

The software giant is being sketchy on details as to which countries it will target as part of its global strategy. This comes on the back of Microsoft opening its fourth direct outlet in the US on June 24.

“We’re making great progress on our plans to open Microsoft-branded retail stores in select cities around the world,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. “We have nothing to share beyond the four stores that are already open at this time [in the US].”

The software giant opened its first retail store in the US in October last year stocking netbooks, notebooks, all-in-one PCs, Xbox consoles, Windows Mobile phones and a mass range of third party software titles.

It also provides services including personal training, technical support and ongoing performance tune-ups.

Local resellers and retailers have previously shrugged off the threat of a direct Microsoft outlet.

At the time, Harvey Norman general manager of computers and communications, Luke Naish, said a lot of major retail outlets had already carved out a strong niche in market and it would take a lot of energy to set up a new retail presence.

“It wouldn’t make a lot of sense, unless it was designed as a marketing or PR showcase,” Naish said. “The branded store seems to be designed as a counter to Apple, but Apple is a different business, and retail is a challenging industry at the best of times.”

Quantum Business Technology managing director, Tony Banks, said it would be highly unlikely for Microsoft to sell any business applications through retail stores.

Nominations for the 2012 ARN IT Industry Awards open on Tuesday, June 12.

More about: Apple, Harvey Norman, Microsoft, Norman, Norman, Quantum, Technology, Xbox
References show all

Comments

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Users posting comments agree to the ARN comments policy.
Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in.
Related Coverage
Related Whitepapers
Latest Stories
Community Comments
Tags: Apple, Harvey Norman, Microsoft, netbook, notebook, PCs, Quantum Business Technology, Windows Mobile, Xbox
ARN Directory | Distributors relevant to this article
ACA Pacific , Aquion , ASI Solutions , Australasian PC Distributors (APCD) , Avnet Technology Solutions , Bluechip Infotech , Brightpoint Australia , Compucon Computers , Dicker Data , Express Data , Express Online , ICT Distribution , Impact Systems Technology , Leader Computers , NewLease , Synnex Australia , Topstar Computer International , XiT Distribution , Xpress I.T.
rhs_login_lockGet exclusive access to ARN's news, research and invitation only events.
ARN Distributor Directory
Find distributors by name | vendor | location
Channel Deals
/deals/avg/213_avg-internet-security-3-pc-2-year-10-pack-reta
AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd

AVG Internet Security 2012 10 Pack Retail Specials

More details »
ARN Vendor Directory
Find vendors by name | category

iAsset is a channel management ecosystem that automates all major aspects of the entire sales,marketing and service process, including data tracking, integrated learning, knowledge management and product lifecycle management.