Microsoft jumps into the retail store game

It’s official: Microsoft has answered Apple’s challenge in retail store sales. Locations and opening dates have not been specified yet, but it appears the number of stores will be small, with a focus on building brand awareness and excitement for Windows products. The effort is being spearheaded by a former Walmart executive, David Porter, who was most recently head of worldwide distribution for Dreamworks SKG. It would appear that the Apple Store’s runaway success in luring consumers has finally made enough of an impact on Microsoft that they feel the need to respond—eight years late, but better late than never, right?