Microsoft Store concept revealed in leaked design presentation?

Microsoft's very real brick-and-mortar stores are not too far off now, and it looks like Gizmodo got its hands on a Powerpoint presentation purportedly from "design and brand strategy" consultant firm Lippicott for how these retail outlets might turn out. The presentation overall is reminiscent of Apple's stores, complete with its own "Answer Bar" for troubleshooting. Other highlights include lots of Surface demos scattered about the interior, a massive "digital media wall" screen that wraps around the store, and stage areas for Windows 7, Media Center, WinMo, and netbooks. Additionally, the slides discuss in-store events centered around Project Natal, the ever-secret project codenamed Pink, and most importantly... the option to throw your birthday party on location. While it's not 100 percent clear what the purpose of some of these slides might be -- or if this is even the firm the big M has gone with -- there is a lot here that's piqued our curiosity. Whether or not this ends up being indicative of the final product, something tells us that last bit about the birthday parties is gonna be key to its success -- get on it, Steve.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 28th 2009 9:51AM]

I have a strong feeling that more and more multimedia retail store would be in this mainstream.

Signature: Telling stories with right storyboarding presentation together with PowerPoint presentation is like owning a printing press and printing your own currency.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 28th 2009 3:31PM]

I have an idea, why doesn't MS sell iPods and iPhones.

[malexandria1 Posted Jul 28th 2009 3:42PM]

This thread is an example of why I despise Apple fantards. So f'ing what if Apple has retail stores and now Microsoft wants to do one. You clowns act like Apple invented the entire retail store business and industry.

[ohmygosh82 Posted Jul 28th 2009 4:21PM]

can i get as a gift a new notebook with windows 7 ultimate and office 2010 for me next birthday in this sotres?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 30th 2009 9:10PM]

OK, HERE ARE CONFIRMED PICTURES OF THE LOCATION OF THE COMING MICROSOFT STORE IN MISSION VIEJO!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41013317@N06/3773802240/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41013317@N06/3772996257/

I went to the mall offices and talked to a pretty young lady who said "Yesterday I couldn't tell you but, TODAY I can. YES, the Microsoft store WILL be in the old LIMITED location!"

I'll post more pictures if I can get inside later on.