electronista.com: Microsoft stores open first in Apple-heavy cities

From electronista.com: Microsoft stores open first in Apple-heavy cities

Microsoft’s first retail stores will launch in two cities where Apple already has a major presence, the company confirmed today. The Windows developer has signed leases both in Mission Viejo, California as well as Scottsdale, Arizona and will be surrounded by Apple retail shops. The California store will be the only one to open in the same mall as its rival, launching in The Shops at Mission Viejo, but all of them will have five Apple stores within driving distance.
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It plans to primarily sell notebook PCs, software from itself as well as others, and its own Xbox 360 and Zune hardware. Stocks reiterated that the stores are primarily showcases to highlight the brand, but unlike past executives stated that its retail shops are expected to be profitable rather than just experiments to pass on information to others.
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Although it has said its stores would innovate, the leak alluded to a Guru Bar that would copy Apple’s Genius bar as well as similar workshops and open store layouts.

Apple Stores are extremely popular because it’s pretty much the only place to get Apple stuff.  There is no way the Microsoft stores will generate the kind of revenue that Apple Stores do, selling Zune’s and Xbox 360’s and laptops.  I hope they build one in Cincinnati so I can bring in my parents’ virus infested laptop to the “Guru Bar”.