The Microsoft Store Experience

The Microsoft Store is only in a handful of cities in the Western United States.  Most of America is largely unaware of the existence of these destinations.  Nonetheless, I made my special pilgrimage to the recently opened Park Meadow Lone Tree Mall, Denver, CO  store during the ISTE 2010 Conference.

I did not have any big expectations.  However, from the moment I approached the store, my only thought was “WOW! Microsoft has really delivered an awesome retail experience.”

In my opinion, what really makes the Microsoft Store awesome are the people who work there.  I told one of the team members that it was a store my Mother would enjoy shopping for her tech needs without my consultation.  There is an authentic, welcoming vibe throughout the store.

That welcoming  vibe is reinforced by the number of chairs in the store. The chairs are purposely placed throughout the store so that you can sit down, relax, and get comfortable with the latest in advanced technology from Microsoft.  The store was packed with people taking their time, asking the questions, playing with and discovering Microsoft.

The Microsoft Store showcases the breadth of Microsoft’s consumer portfolio

• Windows Phone 6.5
• Microsoft KIN
• The New XBOX 360
• Kinect for XBOX360 (formerly Project Natal)
• Windows 7
• Office 2010
• Zune HD
• and so much more.

Many of the young teenage shoppers could be found in one of three places in the store: Kinect for XBOX360 (when they could get in between the adults,) playing XBOX360, or playing on the Microsoft Surface.

There is a large electronic signage display that wraps around the walls of the store.  All of the latest product information is featured on the display.  I could use a display like that wrapped around my walls at home. 

If you are in town for an education conference, leisure, or business, I would encourage you to visit the store.  We plan on opening more in strategic markets throughout the nation.  So lookout for a Microsoft Store in your area soon.

I could not help but notice that the Microsoft Store is just upstairs from the Apple Store at Park Meadow.  It makes you feel like you leveled-up your retail experience for consumer entertainment and personal technology. Let me know what your impressions of the Microsoft Store are in the comments below.

I’ll have video from my visit posted shortly. Injoy.