14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will roll out the Surface Pro tablet in just a few days and, even though the company clearly needs to promote the device through its own retail network, it decided to close the pop-up store in Times Square.
Even though it wasn’t a permanent store, the Times Square location played a pretty important role when the Surface RT was officially released in October 2012. It showcased not only the RT tablet, but also Windows 8 devices and Windows Phone 8.
Citing Jonathan Adashek, general manager, Strategy and Communications with the Sales, Marketing and Services Group (SMSG) at Microsoft, Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet writes that some other pop-up stores in the US and Canada may close in the near future too.
“The location was intended to support holiday sales of Microsoft Surface and Windows 8, and continues to be an important market for us moving forward. Customers in the New York area can continue to experience the best of Microsoft products and the same excellent choice, value and service at our specialty store located in the Shops at Columbus Circle or any of our nine full line and specialty locations in the tri-state area,” Adashek was quoted as saying.
Microsoft also has plans to open new stores across the United States, with six locations confirmed for the time being: San Antonio, Texas; Miami, Fla.; Beachwood, Ohio; San Francisco; Salt Lake City; and St. Louis.
What’s more, rumor has it that the Redmond-based technology giant is planning to open new stores in Europe too, with London expected to be the first location that’ll host a Microsoft store on the Old Continent.
The company is yet to confirm this, but given the fact that it's planning to expand its product lineup with some new devices, a larger retail network could help boost sales around the world.