The Store is Coming, the store is coming… the store is HERE!

| MSNE Staff

 

The Microsoft Store Boston

Have you ever seen a Microsoft store? Did you know there was even such a thing? No? Well, you aren’t alone.  It’s a relatively new venture for MSFT and the mystery ends today now that the 23rd Microsoft Store officially opened at The Shops at Prudential Center.  (The 23rd store on the 23rd of the month… neat.)

 

“The Microsoft Store is your source for the hottest new technology and best in personalized service. Guests can test-drive, play with and explore all of our Windows 7 PCs, Windows Phone, tablets, Xbox and Kinect. Our interactive environment makes shopping for technology easy and fun,” says Allison Knight, the store’s Community Development Specialist.

 

A unique aspect of the Microsoft Store is the glass enclosed theater space available to the community free of charge.  The space will host groups up to 50 from school field trips to gaming leagues to corporate gatherings.  Groups can explore Microsoft technologies with the benefit of a knowledgeable staff.

 

 

Boston is the first major city to get a retail store.  The other 22 are in suburban malls and shopping centers of the west coast and mid-west regions.  The first northeast store opened last month in Connecticut and next month New England adds another location in Salem, New Hampshire.

The Boston Store Team

 

 

These are not your average store opening events.  Every store is celebrated with giveaways, swag, concerts and celebrities.  Throughout Boston’s opening weekend, Microsoft will welcome Celtics All-Star Paul Pierce and Legendary Rock star Lenny Kravitz. The first 200 people at the store this morning got wristbands for the Lenny Kravitz concert this Saturday at The Bank of America Pavilion with a special meet-and-greet session. The next 1,000 (or more) will get 2 wrist bands just for the concert. Just the concert? Oh, bummer.

Starting at 2pm today people will line up for a chance to play Xbox with Paul Pierce.  It’s first come, first served and your skill level will determine the length of your NBA 2K12 battle with Paul Pierce on Xbox 360.  Based on the facts, I’m predicting a significant number will be blessed with a turn.  If you don’t get a chance to play, you’re still welcome to hang out in the store and watch at 6pm tonight.While you’re hanging out in the store, be sure to take a sneak peak at Windows 8 before it’s available in October.  The operating system is vamped up with a new stylish interface that’s easy to navigate and even easier to connect all your devices with. In my humble opinion, the biggest advantage of embracing Windows 8 is the free apps you can download developed HERE in Cambridge by our college interns of the Foundry Program.See you at The Pru!