Microsoft Store to Open Alongside Win 7 Launch

I can't wait to be a Windows 7 mallrat.

Microsoft is entering into malls with its own retail stores, not at all unlike what Apple has done with its own Apple Stores. Creating a retail presence could be just what the software giant needs to reach back out to consumers, and the first Microsoft store could be opening soon.

According to one of the Wall Street Journal's sources, the first Microsoft Store could be opening as soon as next week. Naturally, it'd be ideal for the first Microsoft Store to open day and date with the launch of Windows 7 on October 22.

Microsoft has yet to reveal an exact grand opening day, but the WSJ report says that the store, located at Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Arizona should be open on or within days of Windows 7's release.

A second store is also set to open in the next few weeks in Mission Viejo, California. Should the initial stores prove to be a success (and don't forget, Microsoft products don't always have to be profitable to be successful), then expect more to be popping up.