Microsoft takes the wraps off its first flagship store outside of North America today, with the opening of its two-storey, 6000 square foot Sydney store.
The store, located at Westfield Sydney on Pitt Street Mall, features an assortment of products and in-store services, including and Answer Desk for technical questions, troubleshooting and repair for Microsoft technology – regardless of what device or where it was purchased – and a community theatre.
Microsoft says the store will serve as the centrepiece to the Microsoft store experience in Australia and will offer cutting edge retail and experiential spaces that allow consumers to get hands on with products ‘in an immersive way'.
Pip Marlow, Microsoft Australia managing director, says the store will showcase ‘the very best' of Microsoft.
“This is a key part to our commitment to delivering a truly interactive retail space that gives customers, partners and community organisations the opportunity to see, experience and do great things, all made possible by Microsoft technology,” Marlow says.
The store's opening today also launches the Surface Book, Surface Pro 4 and Microsoft Band 2 into the local market, with all three going on sale at the store for the first time.
Other products, including Microsoft Lumia, Signature Edition PCs, Xox One, Office and accessories, will also be available.
Meanwhile, the vendor has made good on its commitment to support local charities with each store opening, donating $4.8 million in software and technology grants to 11 not for profits across Australia.
The grant recipients are: The Smith Family, Mission Australia, Service to Youth Council, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, YMCA, YWCA, United Way, Reach, Girls - Boys Brigade, Ways Youth Services and AEISEC.
The store officially opens at 12-noon, with the grand opening kicking off at 1130am and including an official ribbon cutting and a curtain drop to reveal the inside of the store for the first time. Microsoft has been urging those wanting to attend the opening to head down early.