Microsoft is planning to open Windows Stores – experience zones in India, at which customers can have a hands-on experience of Microsoft products like mobiles based on Windows Phone 8, tablets and PCs based on Windows 8, and tools or apps in the Windows 8.
Chakrapani Gollapali, general manager – consumer channels group, Microsoft India said to The Mobile Indian, “We are planning to open Windows Stores in India in coming days. They will be experience zones that will be setup within existing stores of multiband retailers or malls to provide customers hands on experience of our complete line up of products right from devices to software.”
He added, “Microsoft doesn’t plan to open any standalone stores because the idea of opening Windows Store is to provide user experience rather than selling, though selling will take place at stores.”
He didn’t share any specific timeline or places where the stores will be opened.
This move by Microsoft can be seen as an attempt by the software giant to grab the attention of shoppers at large retailers, which in return could lead to sales and profitability.
Also, another development that might have promoted Microsoft to open stores in India may be to grab consumer attention in the wake of Google’s success in terms of Android OS, which is ably supported by partners like Samsung, and by Indian players like Micromax, Lava, Xolo, Spice and Karbonn.
Interestingly, just a couple of days back Google made an official announced that in the coming days it will open physical Android stores, called Android Nation, in India.
These stores will act as points of sale for Android powered devices of different brands as well as an experience zones where one can get a feel for devices.
Now the thing that needs to be watched is who will come up with a store first – Google or Microsoft, and which one will provide a better user experience.