Microsoft Store

I usually just pass up this store, walk right by, no need to look at anything at this kiosk as the products never really interested me. You can’t miss it when your in Oakridge, with their big flat screen TV’s showing the new Xbox One, and people working there wearing their colored shirts, marketing something new, whether it’s green Xbox shirts, blue Windows 8 shirts, and I think I saw red… don’t know what that was for, but this kiosk has about everything Microsoft is offering up, from their Windows 8 phones, laptops, tablets, video games, and some peripherals for their products.
I was actually led here due to a sale that I was totally unaware of, as my friend contacted me to help her check in if they still had a laptop available. I waited patiently as the salesman was helping another couple, I was really in no rush. EJ was the salesporson’s name, and he apologized for the long delay and helped me in regards to the laptop purchase, he quickly went over all the details while I was contacting my friend on the phone if she wanted me to pick the laptop up. Eventually I did, and it peaked my interest from the specifications of this laptop and the sale price. EJ asked if I wanted one for myself, being indecisive I needed to walk away and said I would return in an hour if I did want one.
I came back two hours later, and EJ greeted me saying, «your back». They originally were not going to sell me the laptop, as this was a flash Black Friday sales promotion, but due to the fact of my previous conversation and transaction, and mentioning that I may come back to purchase, they had one held for me. I was very surprised with this attention they gave me, and EJ was very helpful with information, and also providing any upsell that I would need. In the end he made both my transactions painless, and effortless, even offering to email a receipt to my account and also advising of the return policies.
If I am ever thinking of Microsoft, I’ll think of this little kiosk and the service I had here, and definitely can recommend this, thanks EJ for your service!

Upon first thought, most people would just accuse Microsoft of copying the Apple store. I have several things to say about that: 1. Copying a good idea that works? It wouldn’t be the first time in history it’s happened, and with good reason. 2. It’s not really even a copy, because Apple has a whole ecosystem of products, where as Microsoft, well only really sells an OS and now a tablet.
That being said, I don’t even have to walk into the store to imagine what a Microsoft store will be like. Wide tables, showcasing multiples of one product. Computers on the tables near to the walls, showcasing the Windows 7 machines and expensive accessories.
There’s nothing special here, just another free way to access the internet or use a computer if you’re in a pinch and stuck in a mall. In fact, that’s pretty much what an Apple store is all about too.
But that is all my personal opinion regarding these types of stores.
The main point of these stores is to allow users to have a positive experience with these companies products, and at the end of the day, if this goal is accomplished by a well trained staff, in a friendly, well lit and comfortable environment, then I can say that store has done it’s job.
I will give this Microsoft store 2 stars, since you are only able to play with Windows 7 (Microsoft doesn’t sell machines, only through partners), and the Microsoft Surface Tablet. There is no help desk (al la Genius Bar), nor can you bring in your failing Windows 7 laptop to get fixed. Kinda just a nice to look at store, but not much it can do to help you.