Microsoft and Best Buy announce the Windows Store only at Best Buy

Store-within-a-store will launch this summer at more than 600 Best Buy locations, offering Windows-based PCs, tablets, accessories and support from dedicated, Microsoft-trained staff.

REDMOND, Wash., June 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Microsoft Corp. and Best Buy Co. Inc. today announced a strategic partnership to create the Windows Store only at Best Buy. The comprehensive store-within-a-store will be in 500 Best Buy locations across the United States and in more than 100 Best Buy and Future Shop locations in Canada.

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Ranging in size from 1,500 square feet to 2,200 square feet, the Windows Store will be the premier destination for consumers to see, try, compare and purchase a range of products and accessories, including Windows-based tablets and PCs, Windows Phones, Microsoft Office, Xbox, and more. Each store will feature an innovation 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, chief marketing officer and chief financial officer 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."

In addition to the dedicated Microsoft specialists already working across Best Buy locations, the alliance will add more than 1,200 Best Buy Microsoft-trained sales associates to create an engaging customer experience at scale.

"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, vice president 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 two companies also will mirror the in-store experience online at http://www.bestbuy.com/windowsstore, which will provide updates on store locations, promotions and other information, including joint marketing efforts throughout the year. Windows Store only at Best Buy will roll out from late June through September. More information is available at http://www.bestbuy.com/windowsstore.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

SOURCE: Microsoft Corp.

Rich Adolph, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide for Microsoft, [phone], [email protected]; or Jeff Haydock, Best Buy, [phone], [email protected]; or Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide for Microsoft, [phone], [email protected]

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