Microsoft to open its own stores.

This seems like a misadventure waiting to happen. I feel like Microsoft strategy is a blunt object that they hurl at anything their competitors touch. It's almost a little painful to watch. You kind of want to lean over and whisper in Microsoft's ear, "You're too old to be wearing that."

What kind of Products does MS offer? Computer Accessories, MP3 Players, Game Consoles, Software and lots of advanced technology (and probably more...). The question now is how to ideally showcase this assortment. For the Accessories, the Music Players and the Game Consoles this is pretty easy even though it might be hard to find a concept that integrates the different crowds those products are aimed at. It gets more difficult with the advanced technology and software.

For the advanced technology (e.g. Photosynth, Surface etc.) I would propose a kind of show case where you let people play around with the products and enable them to find out what you, as a company, are capable of. For the Software I would propose a kind of shop in shop concept. I would partner with Hardware Manufacturers like HP and Dell and let them showcase their computers in a way that is probably similar to the way Apple does in its shops.

I really think this could work out even though it for sure isn't an easy endeavor.

Note that the VP for Retail Sales Stores will be David Porter. Article notes, "Porter spent 25 years with retail giant Wal-Mart."

Yet MS says the stores will aim "to transform the PC and Microsoft buying experience." Transformers, indeed.