As part of its slow-moving retail initiative, Microsoft will open a store at the Bellevue Square mall, so close to a long-time Apple store that the company will move the store to a larger space out of view of the Microsoft logo. According to the DowntownBellevue Web site, Microsoft will install a store inside the first-level spaces now occupied by Tall’s Camera and Eddie Bauer, a location just three spaces away from the existing Apple store. No doubt in response, the Apple store will eventually move to a space occupied by the Ann Taylor store, down a long hallway and around a corner from the Microsoft location. Microsoft opened two retail stores last October, several miles from an Apple store in Scottsdale (Ariz.), and just a few hundred feet from an Apple store in the same Mission Viejo (S. Calif.) mall. Just last week Microsoft announced two more stores in Lone Tree (Colo.) and San Diego (Calif.). In Mission Viejo, Apple closed its store two months before the Microsoft grand opening, enlarged and renovated it, and then re-opened it one month after Microsoft held its grand opening. Now the stores are 360 feet apart within the same hallway of the mall.
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Don’t know what Apple’s motives might be for moving from their current location, but it may be due to the overcrowding at just about any time, as much as the coming of Microsoft store.
I’ve been in quite a few of the Apple stores along the West Coast, and all three in Las Vegas, and the Bellevue store seems to be the most crowded consistently.
I haven’t checked out the Ann Taylor store yet, but I would have to believe it provides considerably more square footage.
The Bellevue Square Apple Store was the first in Washington. It is smaller than the University Village, Southcenter & Tacoma Mall stores. Only the Alderwood Mall Apple Store is smaller.
Why is there no mention of the Tacoma Mall store grand opening today, Saturday, May 29?
So Peggy, please be our Tacoma Mall correspondent.
Anyone interested in the new Microsoft store at Park Meadows Mall opening June 10?
I would imagine the reason the Apple Store is relocating is unrelated to the Microsoft Store issue. Many Apple Stores are in need of extra square footage and are left with no other option than relocating. Probably just a coincidence that it’s happening around the same time.
Agreed. if it was a store of the same size, perhaps it would be running away from MS. But as it is admittedly larger I suspect that it is just a coincidence.
I’ve been in both of the original Microsoft stores and find it mindblowing that they’re building more. I’ve seen more people at a suicide bomber reunion. Absolutely no way they’re making any money.
Is there an update to how the MS stores look now? I have yet to go into an Apple store that is not just stuffed to the gills with people.
I spent 30 minutes in front of the Apple and Microsoft stores at Mission Viejo about six months after the MS opened (the Apple store re-opened after a renovation a couple of weeks after the MS grand opening). Over the 30 minutes of a weekday afternoon (before schools were out), the number of people entering each store was within about 5% of each other—basically the same. I’m sure it’s changed over time as visitors have satisfied their initial MS store curiosity.
I think that in the article, the line, ‘Just like week Microsoft announced two more stores’ was supposed to read, “Just last week?”
Sorry, once a proofer, always a proofer…
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Exactly…I’ve corrected the story.
The most interesting question is how are the Microsoft Stores doing in terms of sustained foot traffic, that is, advertising and how much revenue are they generating in direct and other sales. At the end of the day, does MS have a successful business model? I have seen no reports.
Regarding the proximity issue, one factor has to be does Apple need to create buzz and traffic for next door MS stores, I think not. Also, my bet is that the Mall owners are not winning any renewal incentives when they permit this type of gimmick. Apple is a big traffic and income draw for them.
I happen to know that the Bellevue Square store has been planning this move for quite some time. It might be that they were pushed into the final push by the appearance of these neighbors from the dark side – but I promise you they already intended to take over Ann Taylor.
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