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Microsoft to Close Retail Stores

July 1, 2020

It's going to be a lot more difficult to physically see and touch Microsoft's Surface line of computing devices. According to a Computerworld report, Microsoft will be shutting down 78 of its 82 retail outlets and taking a $450M charge against earnings. The remaining four outlets will be converted to "Microsoft Experience Centers." The four locations are in New York City, London, Sydney and an on-campus location in Redmond.

Sharon and I have visited the store at the Redmond campus. It was a pretty cool experience and not just a chance to see the evolution of Windows. You have the opportunity to play some of the latest X-box games on huge screens that cover a wall. There was a facial recognition exhibit as well, that attempted to show you how you would look in 10-20 years. I'm not sure how the store will be modified, especially given the current COVID-19 situation. A lot of our friends and colleagues have purchased their Surface tablets via the online store instead of visiting a retail outlet. Given the current pandemic, it's probably a good idea to make a change for the retail chain.

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