Microsoft Store retail website launched
Published: 17 Nov 2008 13:01 GMT
Microsoft has launched a second online store at the start of this year's especially critical holiday shopping season.
The Microsoft Store, which opened for business on Thursday, is intended to carry the largest and most up-to-date selection of the software giant's product lines, such as Office, Windows, Xbox and Zune.
The one-stop shop will carry Microsoft hardware too.
Microsoft also currently operates its Windows Marketplace e-commerce site, which it began testing in 2004.
There are many similarities between the two sites but, with the launch of Microsoft Store, that will change.
"With the launch of the Microsoft Store, Windows Marketplace will shut down as an e-commerce site. Marketplace will transition from an e-commerce and referral site to a web page that will refer customers to sites such as Microsoft Store, Windows Vista Compatibility Center, and other appropriate destinations," a Microsoft spokesman stated.
Read this
Leader: Microsoft's mobile strategy has gone missing
Enterprise mobile technology advances on all fronts, except one. Microsoft needs to make its strategy plain…
According to a Microsoft team blog, the Microsoft Store is accessible to people in Germany, the UK and Korea. The company plans to add Japan, France, Spain and the Netherlands in the near future, as well as other countries.
Microsoft is launching its new site as retailers face a major downturn, with concerns over a recession weighing on the minds and wallets of consumers.
Online retailer Amazon.com issued a cautious note regarding holiday sales when it reported its third-quarter financial results last month, while eBay lowered its fourth-quarter forecast.
Credit: Microsoft launches second retail site from CNET News
Did you find this article useful?
Digg
Slashdot
Del.ici.ous
Stumble
Reddit
