Microsoft to open mini-stores inside Best Buys
Microsoft and Best Buy announced a plan Thursday to create 600 Windows stores within Best Buy retail locations in the United States and Canada, the New York Times reports.
The Windows stores, at 1,500 to 2,200 square feet, will be the biggest stores-within-a-store at Best Buy, the Times notes.
Best Buy has similar dedicated store-within-a-stores for Samsung, and it has had a longstanding similar deal with Apple.
Microsoft hopes selling exclusively Windows-based tablets and computers and other Microsoft products at the Minnesota-based retailer's outlets will revitalize sales of its flagship operating system, Reuters reports. For its part, Best Buy has been looking for new ways to fight online and discount rivals and boost in-store traffic, sales and profitability, Reuters notes.
Forbes reports that it's a critically strategic move with several drawbacks. The new ventures will effectively replace Best Buy computer departments, Forbes notes.