Microsoft Copies Apple's Retail Stores
Today, Microsoft launched their first retail store in Arizona. Obviously planned to coincide with the much anticipated Windows 7 release, Microsoft has created a great store. It's sleek, spacious, and their products are perfectly displayed. Sounds familiar, eh?
It is incredible how much this store looks like an Apple Store. Sure, we all knew that Microsoft has been stealing away Apple employes for their retail store launch; which by the way is a smart business move; but come on! This is the exact same store down to the wooden floors and tables. It even has a banner at the front of the store with similar artwork on it as the App Store banner. If you don't believe me, check out this video:
From what I've gathered, here are the main similarities and how they stock up against the infamous Apple Stores:
Microsoft Store
Spacious layout with rows of products
Wooden counters and floor
Front wall of store is glass
Answer Desk
Employees in primary-colored t-shirts .
Employees cheering you on as you enter the store
Banner at the front of the store
Artwork canvasing the length of the store
Apple Store
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Genius Bar
Ditto
Ditto
App Store Banner
Exactly the Same
Alas, we can't expect much more from one of the richest companies out there. You would think they'd put their money to better use, perhaps a better OS? Although Windows 7 is a major upgrade from Vista, it is not simple or easy to use. Before anyone calls this article biased, realize I spend 8 hours a day in a windows world and have seen both sides of the spectrum. I've also been in many Apple Stores and can safely say they are one of a kind. Well, they were. Your move, Apple.
- Alex
Alex Carter Oct 22, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Reader Comments (5)
Seriously, Microsoft? GET YOUR OWN DESIGN. STOP RELYING ON APPLE TO FUFIL YOUR DESIGN NEEDS.
All is said. (well.... )
Sure, they're both alike, but I think flat-out saying Microsoft copied Apple is a little much. You just sound more like you're attacking Microsoft rather than announcing their opening.
Windows 7 is not easy to use? Are you functionally retarded?
I don't think so... why? Do you know something I don't?
I wish we could get some un-biased writers on this blog.