Report: Microsoft is planning to open a retail store in Toronto by the end of 2012

Report: Microsoft is planning to open a retail store in Toronto by the end of 2012

Microsoft is apparently planning to open a “Microsoft Store” in Toronto soon. New reports from The Verge have Microsoft entering our fine land for the first time, directly going to compete with Apple’s 22 retail locations. The store will be located somewhere in Toronto – could be in the Eaton Centre or Yorkdale Mall – with timing of a grand opening set to happen before the holiday period.

As to what the Microsoft Store will sell – all Microsoft products. So software, keyboards, mice, Xbox 360 and Windows Phone handsets. Taking a look at the Microsoft Store site it shows that there are currently 16 locations across the United States, but Kevin Turner, Microsoft’s COO, stated last year that they plan to open 75 new Microsoft Stores within the next 3-years.

Source: Mobilesyrup

My Take

This is great news for Microsoft enthusiasts in the Toronto area, and as well other Canadians too. People getting to experience Microsoft ecosystem hands on can help more people to adapt to other Microsoft products not name Windows. People can get to experience the latest technology from Microsoft like trying out the Kinect for the Xbox 360 if they haven’t yet, trying out Windows 8 when it releases, getting their hands on a Windows phone, and trying out other Microsoft products. This can really help Canadians get familiar with Microsoft’s window phone 8 products (most likely to be released by end of 2012. Many Canadians do not know about Windows Mobile and are probably not aware that it stacks up with Android and IOS. Most people that get to try Windows phone 7 get hooked with product and are impressed by the fluidity of the os and the ease of use. This is also great news for people that are looking for a one stop place to go for Microsoft products because they will be able to tryout latest Xbox 360 games and periphals, windows phone, window tablets, Windows 8, and other Microsoft products. Hopefully Microsoft can start expanding their Microsoft stores across Canada because it can really put pressure on Apple stores. If Microsoft can create a greater atmosphere than the one that is offered at Apple stores it can help people get into their ecosystem, and put Microsoft back in the game mainstream wise. Hopefully by the end of 2014 they can have many Microsoft stores in many popular Canadian areas like; Calgary, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Greater Toronto Area, etc.