After years of brushing off the notion, Microsoft said on Thursday that it will open up its own line of retail stores.
Without detailing the plans, Microsoft said it has hired David Porter, a 25-year Wal-Mart veteran, to lead the effort. Sources say that Porter’s mission will be to develop the company’s retail plans and that the effort is likely to start small with just a few locations.
Porter, who will start next week, will report to Microsoft COO Kevin Turner, also a Wal-Mart veteran. Most recently, Porter was at DreamWorks Animation, heading that company’s product distribution effort.
Although Microsoft has generally relied on others to sell its wares, it’s not Microsoft’s first foray into retail.
Back in the dot-com days, Microsoft had one retail outlet, at the San Francisco Metreon mall. However, it never expanded the effort and closed that location in November 2001. Jonas Brothers WAX, Britney Spears If U Seek Amy Video, Batwoman GAY, Joaquin Phoenix HIP HOP, Felicia Barton American Idol