Microsoft stores to mimic Apple Store's "Genius Bars" with "Guru Bars"

[onehandle]

Because Microsoft has never had an original idea of its own.

Ever.
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A leaked presentation has exposed Microsoft's tentative plans for its retail stores -- and the high degree to which they'll imitate Apple stores, down to their layouts and even the presence of a dedicated "Guru Bar" for help.

A leaked proposal for Microsoft from design consulting firm Lippicott immediately provides hints of an Apple connection with a bright, open layout where the center and edges of the store are dominated by computers showing the "seamless" link between Windows PCs and peripherals. Themed areas would push specific products, such as home theater PCs, netbooks or Windows Mobile and Zune devices.

On closer inspection, though, the influence becomes at times extremely close. The reference store seen by Gizmodo would have a Guru Bar -- in some slides labeled as an Answer Bar or Windows Bar -- that would directly copy the Genius Bars at Apple stores and let customers make appointments either for help or just to ask questions. The number of products would be kept to a minimum to avoid the confusion present in stores where most Windows PCs are sold today. Microsoft's outlets would even revive the theater component that Apple has mostly tossed aside: an "event space" at the back of the store would provide a dedicated screen and seating for training sessions or social events.

Lippicott isn't shy about where it takes its cue and shows the positive experiences it sees in other major, if not always successful, retail brands. Apple is held as the best example for its branding, simple layouts, and enthusiastic staff, but others aren't quite treated so kindly. Sony stores are criticized for "uninformed" staff and poor layouts, while AT&T and Nike are also docked for certain weaknesses.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/07/24/microsoft_stores_to_mimic_apples_with_guru_bars.html

[Systematic Chaos]

1. Only if they give me a Cloak of Blue Screen Protection +4 to wear when I come through the door.

If only I could run my favorite games on the Apple side of my iMac, I'd never bother with Windows again.

[Javaman]

2. Whether you like or hate pc's, I have a feeling this will go the same

path as the gateway stores. A flaming ball of self destruction.

[Soylent Brice]

3. lol

i think you just nailed it.

[onehandle]

4. I have dealt with Microsoft's tech support before.

Most of the time, they blame the problem on the non-Microsoft software or the particular kind of PC you own.

How this is going to work in person, I'll never understand.

[Touchdown]

5. Why does MS need a store in the first place?

They're everywhere. The only reason Apple has them is before they couldn't get macs into enough stores to make a difference, and even when they did, no zit faced sales drone knew anything about them.

[NashVegas]

6. Stupid Meets Stupider

The first time I visited an Apple store, it was difficult to refrain from choking on the laughter upon meeting one of their reps and finding they're called "Geniuses."

Oh, I had to bite my tongue, HARD, to keep from asking these geniuses what they were doing working in retail.

You should see them when Tennessee has one of it's bi-annual sales tax-free weekends. They line up outside the shopo like a gauntlet.

[Initech]

7. At least "Genius Bar" has a better ring to it than "Geek Squad" does.

[Initech]

8. No one can compete with the Apple stores.

I swear that every single time I go to one of those stores it's always packed. How do they do it?

[onehandle]

10. Good, stylish, easy to use products and top of industry service and tech support.

Many people would rather get things done and have fun rather than worry about viruses and the blue screen of death.

[BlueIdaho]

9. Nope - not one original idea in the last decade...

No wonder their stock is tanking.