Microsoft to foray into Europe with 1st store in central London

Microsoft is opening its first retail store in Europe. With this expansion, the software giant plans to boost its physical presence and compete with other tech companies providing unique in-store experiences for customers.

Spread across 21,932 sq ft, the new store will be located on Oxford Circus in the center of London’s famous shopping district. London is Microsoft’s third flagship destination, along with Sydney and New York City.

Chris Capossela, CMO of Microsoft, said, “This is our very first foray into Europe, and we couldn’t be more pleased to be in London.”

The new store will showcase the company’s Surface laptops and PCs, Xbox gaming systems and new technology such as its HoloLens augmented reality headset, as well as offering help services and software products like Office.

Cindy Rose, Chief Executive for Microsoft UK, said, “The new store, which will employ 150 staff, was a mark of the firm’s continued commitment to the UK market, where it already employed 5,000 people. We have certainly not been put off by Brexit. We continue to invest a significant amount in this market.”

“We have concerns about Brexit, which we have discussed with the government, mostly around bringing in talent to the country from wherever it exists and about making sure data can continue to flow frictionlessly, which is important to the cloud (data services industry). We think whatever the political landscape brings, we are confident the UK will continue to thrive and prosper,” she added.