http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/first-microsoft-store-opens-grandly-with-giant-tv/
Even if you're not in the market for a Surface or a Zune, it might be worth stopping by the newly opened first Microsoft Store in Scottsdale, Arizona. That's where you'll be able to play in the gaming section, which sports a ocular-orb-overloading 93-inch screen. Which is pretty good. If you like big screens.
If you look really hard, we'll bet you might even find a copy or two of Windows 7. Maybe.
(Sadly, no photo)
Also
On Demand printing software
http://www.destructoid.com/ms-does-on-demand-software-printing-at-retail-152772.phtml
Microsoft is really making a serious push into retail, as evidenced by what I've seen today at the opening of their first retail store. One of the biggest issues with software sales at retail is the real estate that it takes up on the sales floor. You can't possibly have every product available for the consumer to buy. Or can you?
At Microsoft Stores, customers will be able to purchase anything in the Microsoft catalog of PC software, even if the retail box is not carried in the store. Using a kiosk with a touchscreen display that resembles a stripped down, user-friendly version of the Microsoft online store, customers will be able to add products to a cart. Once finished, you save your cart with a name and approach any of the store's representatives with a handheld computer.
After paying with cash or credit card, the disc, cover and manual are printed in the back of the store. The entire process takes about four minutes and the final result looks just as good as if you'd purchased the retail box.
This is the kind of thing I've been waiting to see for years (in fact, about five years ago, I proposed a similar solution to the executives at a major retailer I worked for to better manage CD and DVD sales). Having a one-stop shop for everything Microsoft has to offer without having to worry about shipping times from an online store or praying that the big box retailer down the street will have what you want in stock is a huge advantage for the new chain. Well done, Microsoft.
And last
Microsoft offering on-site Xbox 360 repair at new stores
The very first Microsoft store opened today in Scottsdale, Arizona. I ran over to check it out and we'll have more on that a little later today, but there's one story that I'm sure will interest all of the 360 owners out there who have ever had an issue with console failure (i.e. most of us). MS is taking some of the hurt out of the repairs process by allowing for in-store repair service.
Microsoft stores will be equipped to handle some basic repair tasks. All you have to do is walk in the store with your console, drop it off at the Answers Desk and a Microsoft Store employee will then diagnose the issue that you're having. If it's something simple -- such as a faulty power supply causing the Red Ring of Death -- they'll rectify the situation immediately.
If it has to be shipped out, however, things are just about as awesome. Once the store has received your console, the main distribution center is notified and a replacement unit can be sent right away.
Yeah, it's only any good if there's a Microsoft Store in your area, but it's exactly the way this sort of thing should be handled. I really have to give them credit for this one. Come back a little later for a closer look at the Microsoft Store.
http://www.destructoid.com/microsoft-offering-on-site-xbox-360-repair-at-new-stores-152768.phtml
