Microsoft Hires Former Apple Retail Exec

Microsoft means business.

Last week Microsoft confirmed that it would open the first of its retail stores this October, presumably in conjunction with the launch of Windows 7. The company also confirmed that it would be setting up camp near several Apple stores - interesting in its own right. Today reports say the company has hired a former Apple executive to head up retail operations.

It was this week that the Redmond-based company revealed that it has hired George Blankenship, Apple's real estate guru, as a consultant while it gears up to launch its own chain. Blankenship played a significant role in Apple's retail department when it launched in 2001 and word on the street says the executive was particularly good at picking out good locations for stores.

Blankenship will work alongside David Porter, the former Wal-Mart executive Microsoft appointed to head its retail endeavor at the beginning of the year.