Microsoft: Closes almost all of its retail stores permanently

While Apple, decides to temporarily reopen retail stores due to rising infection rate COVID-19 in the USA, the Microsoft intends to do the same other permanently.

Μwith a simple announcement, the Microsoft informed us about “a strategic change in its retail activities", Which will result in the closure of all retail stores except four.

These stores in London, New York, Sydney and the Redmond campus will be converted into Microsoft Experience Centers.

According to Vice President David Porter, Microsoft is focusing its efforts on online shopping only. "Our online sales have grown as our product portfolio has evolved into several digital offerings with our talented team serving flawless customers without the need for a physical store… We are grateful to our customers in the Microsoft Store and look forward to continuing to serve them as in Microsoft Experience Centers. "

Employees in retail will not lose their jobs. Instead, Microsoft says it will continue to serve customers remotely or from Microsoft's corporate facilities once we have overcome the pandemic. All of Microsoft's retail locations are already closed, but the permanent closure is expected to cost the company a pre-tax $ 450 million.

Regarding the future of retail staff, Porter commented, “We have deliberately built teams with unique backgrounds and skills that could serve customers from anywhere. The evolution of the workforce has ensured that we could continue to serve customers of all kinds when we need them most, working remotely as in recent months…

Speaking in more than 120 languages, their diversity reflects the many communities we serve. "Our commitment to developing the careers of talented people from this group is stronger than ever."

Microsoft operates 116 stores worldwide and, while deciding to close them permanently, will no longer care how to reopen them by applying safeguards. This, of course, results in the loss of key locations that the Xbox Series X would present later in the year.

It also seems to be a habit for Microsoft to shut things down lately, recalling the announcement a few days ago that the Mixer would shut down next month.

Source