Great Partnership or DejaVu All Over Again?

Best Buy to debut Windows Store

June 13, 2013

www.retailingtoday.com

REDMOND, Wash. — Best Buy has landed a partnership with Microsoft Corp. that will allow the retailer to offer a Windows Store at 500 of its locations in the U.S. and more than 100 Future Shop locations in Canada.
The comprehensive store-within-a-store will range in size from 1,500 sq. ft. to 2,200 sq. ft. Consumers will be able to see, try, compare and, of course, purchase Microsoft products and accessories, including Windows-based tablets and PCs, Windows Phones, Microsoft Office and Xbox. Each store will feature a space highlighting a variety of Windows scenarios across devices; a showcase section with the latest Windows-based PC form factors such as ultrabooks, convertibles, detachables and all-in-ones, including portable devices and a standalone area featuring Microsoft Surface.

“The Windows Store offers a large-scale, hands-on customer experience that will show customers how Windows and Microsoft devices and services can make it easier for them to work and play,” said Tami Reller, CMO and CFO of the Windows division at Microsoft. “We’re pleased to partner with Best Buy in bringing the latest technologies to consumers at scale in a unique environment where they can explore how Microsoft products fit together across entertainment, travel, music and other scenarios.”
As a result of the partnership, more than 1,200 Best Buy Microsoft-trained salespeople will be brought in to support the Microsoft specialists already working across Best Buy locations.
“Best Buy’s chief goal is to serve our customers as only we can, whether they come to us online or in stores. The Windows Store creates the kind of retail destination we all want to shop in, combining great selection, the latest technology, the best service and the lowest prices,” said Jason Bonfig, VP of computing for Best Buy. “What our customers will see in these 600 stores is something totally new and fully in line with our determination to transform Best Buy.”
The retailer will also court online shoppers with the Windows Store via a dedicated e-commerce site, which will provide updates on store locations, promotions and other information, including joint marketing efforts throughout the year. Best Buy will roll out the Windows Store between late June and September.