Microsoft May Open Retail Stores Soon

Microsoft is going brick and mortar.

Maker of some of the most popular software on the planet, Microsoft is confirming the long standing speculation and plans on opening up its own chain of retail stores.

The suspense ended yesterday when Windows OS maker announced a new position and its appointee. The Corporate VP of Retail Stores will "lead Microsoft’s efforts to create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers worldwide through the development and opening of the company’s own retail stores."

So who is the lucky man? David Porter. Formerly an exec with DreamWorks, Porter will work closely with the Entertainment and Devices division, and report directly to Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner. “There are tremendous opportunities ahead for Microsoft to create a world-class shopping experience for our customers,” said Porter. “I am excited about helping consumers make more informed decisions about their PC and software purchases, and we’ll share earnings from our stores with our existing retail and OEM partners that are critical to our success.”

Before Porter joined DreamWorks in 2007, he was a 25 year employee of Wal-Mart. Working for one of the worlds largest retail chains (his last position was VP and general merchandise manager of Entertainment), for over two decades is probably what caught the eye of the house that Gates built, although working for DreamWorks isn't shabby by any means.

Many are attributing Microsoft's retail dreams to Apple. With over 200 stores across the world, the Cupertino, CA company has been slowly chipping away at Microsoft. If Microsoft can hit the ground running with its retail aspirations, it may stand to recover some of what its lost in terms of users and market share across several different sectors. With Circuit City now in the final stages of liquidation, there is certainly room in the big chain retail landscape.