Apple's former real estate chief now working on Microsoft storesLooks like Microsoft will have some very well-informed assistance as it tries to replicate the success of Apple's retail stores. Former Apple real estate chief George Blankenship, who helped lead the early rollout of the Mac maker's retail stores, is working with Microsoft as the Redmond company prepares to launch a retail chain of its own.
Blankenship, who spent much of his career at Gap, is an expert in securing prime retail locations. A Microsoft representative confirmed that he's now working on real estate with Microsoft -- but as a consultant, not as a full-time employee. The company declined to go into any detail on his role, but his experience stands to be a big benefit as Microsoft pushes into the retail market.
Microsoft hasn't said precisely where it will be opening its stores. Calls to Seattle-area retail centers this week didn't turn up any clues, with some property managers suggesting that Microsoft might not open a store in its hometown region as part of the initial wave.
The company has started advertising for retail employment positions on its Web site -- seeking, for example, a store manager to lead a "highly knowledgeable and friendly team of technical, sales driven customer focused Microsoft retail employees in providing an unparalleled purchase and after purchase experiences, ultimately driving sales and market share."
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