Microsoft set to unveil long-awaited flagship

The wait is finally over—and with it, the competition between Microsoft and Apple takes a closer turn. Microsoft will take the wraps off its Manhattan flagship, on Oct. 26. The store is located on Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, just a few short blocks from Apple’s Fifth Avenue flagship with its glass cube entry.



Six years in the making, the five-floor, 22,269-sq.-ft. Microsoft flagship is billed as a “cutting edge space” where the company will showcase its latest technology. It will feature immersive video walls and, as in other Microsoft stores, an “Answer Desk,” a one-stop shop for technical questions, troubleshooting and repairs regardless of the device or where it was purchased. There will also be a “Community Theater” space where customers can learn how to use Microsoft products in their everyday work and lives.



“Our store associate team comes from New York City’s distinct and diverse five boroughs as well as surrounding areas, and speak more than 19 languages,” said David Porter, corporate VP, worldwide retail and online stores, Microsoft, in blog posting.



In addition, Microsoft will open its first international flagship, at Westfield Sydney on Pitt Street Mall in Sydney, Australia, on Nov. 12. The space will be more than 6,000 sq. ft. and span two floors. The store includes retail sales space as well as an interactive area to serve local customers and business, with staff originating from more than 11 countries and speaking more than 21 languages.



Microsoft said it intends to celebrate the New York and Sydney communities in a big way.



“For starters, we will donate more than $5 million in software and technology grants to select local organizations, as part of our company mission to help people achieve more in their lives,” Porter said. “Our grand opening festivities in each city will recognize the great work done by these organizations and we will share more details on our community celebrations soon.”