Microsoft will reopen some of its retail locations almost a year after closing globally due to the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, the portal, The Verge writes, from July 1, Microsoft Experience Center showrooms in London, New York, and Sydney will open their doors. However, their range will be limited due to the global shortage of semiconductors.
It is indicated that initially, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S game consoles will not be sold in the Microsoft Experience Center. However, it will be possible to purchase various accessories for consoles there. In addition, Microsoft will offer Surface laptops and tablets, and accessories in its centers. It will also be possible to subscribe to the Microsoft 365 office suite of applications there.
“Our showrooms were created to provide customers with the opportunity to experience our products in person. We use these spaces to allow users to explore and test new devices and services and collect feedback, which will form the basis of our further work to improve the quality of the user experience. Beginning July 1, customers will be able to purchase select Microsoft products from our retail locations in New York, London, and Sydney, ”Microsoft retail head Travis Walter told The Verge.
Following the closure of Microsoft Experience Center, the company relocated its staff to other positions related to remote support for business customers. Note that for now, Microsoft will not be returning regular retail stores to work. Still, showrooms usually have fewer visitors, and, accordingly, the risks are less, and Microsoft itself positions them mainly for business customers.