Microsoft has locked in a date for the opening of its first flagship international store in Sydney, with doors to officially open on November 12.The store, located at Westfield Sydney on Pitt Street Mall, sees Microsoft joining the likes of fellow tech heavy-hitters Samsung and Apple, which both maintain a retail presence in the Sydney CBD.
Located on Level 2 (street level) and Level 3, the store will cover more than 500 square meters spanning the two floors, and will include a retail sales floor as well as an interactive space to serve local customers and business. Microsoft states it will employ staff originating from more than 11 countries and speaking more than 21 languages.
Microsoft’s first flagship store outside North America will also feature an Answer Desk – for technical questions, troubleshooting and repairs – along with a Community Theatre, where customers can learn how to use Microsoft products in their everyday work and lives, as well as immersive video walls throughout.
As part of its opening day celebrations, Microsoft states it will donate more than $5 million in software and technology grants to select local organisations in Sydney and New York (Microsoft’s New York flagship opens on October 26), as part of its mission to help people achieve more in their lives.
Microsoft states the opening festivities in each city will recognise the great work done by these organisations, with more details on community celebrations to be shared soon. Additional details for the events will be available at the Microsoft Store Facebook page here.
Microsoft Australia managing director Pip Marlow announced opening of the store earlier in the year, labelling it a “significant development” for Microsoft’s business “locally as well as globally”.
“It will provide an opportunity to experience the best of Microsoft products, like Windows PCs, Surface devices, Windows Phones, Xbox One, Office and more in an innovative and vibrant setting,” Marlow wrote in announcing the store.
