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The software giant’s senior director of retail customer experience logs in on why his company’s new stores are an experience all their own.
You’ve worked for some big retail names, including Nordstrom, Apple and now Microsoft. What drew you to a career in retail?
I started as a part-time salesperson and fell in love with the constant change and immediate feedback. The continuous learning is addictive.
How has the industry changed since your first job?
Early in my career, I did physical inventory with pencil and paper. Now, technology enables us to make better decisions in less time by helping us spot trends, communicate internally and externally, manage inventory, lower overhead costs and decrease check-out time.
In 10 words or less, describe what you want consumers to feel when they walk into a Microsoft store.
A sense of discovery and a desire to explore.
What’s your favorite design element of the new Microsoft store format?
Our digital wall. The high-definition retail display is equal to 18 times the width of an IMAX movie screen.
What’s your reaction to the commentary that the first two Microsoft stores look similar to an Apple store?
I’d say take a closer look. The Microsoft Store has several unique experiences, like our video wall, our Xbox demo area where people can play on 94 inches of screen, our workshop area with a 103-inch touch screen display, and Microsoft Surface tables with custom applications that allow you to do things like create your own ringtone. We’re illuminating the Microsoft experience.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Success is a choice, and you control your future.
The worst?
That product is more important than people.
When did you get your first computer?
In 1981 – an Osborne 1. It was awesome.
Favorite TV show growing up?
“Spider-Man.”
Favorite TV show now?
“30 Rock.” Tina Fey is brilliant.
If you could trade places with any person for a day, who would it be and why?
My son, Blake. I want him to understand my world and I want to understand his. Plus, he sleeps so peacefully and I’m a little jealous.
Sidebar: Toy Man
Favorite non-tech holiday gift you received as a child?
Evel Knievel Super Stunt Cycle.
Favorite technology toy?
An Intellivision video game system. I don’t mean to brag, but I rocked at Astrosmash.
As an adult, what gadget can’t you live without?
My Windows phone. If I leave it at home, I feel naked.
For more on Microsoft's first two retail stores, click here.
We realize that Apple as well as Ms may always be related because of their own spot while in the Pantheon of technology providers. Having said that, such as Mr. Forrest states within describing the actual keep, the actual Expedia Coupons 2011 experience among both comes with several variances.
I am glad that these two corporations tend to be seeking in order to outdo just one a different, since it offers resulted inside of a lot of innovation around the many years. I have however to go to a Microsoft save, however Mr. Forrest paints a promising image. The digital wall seems neat, and it is really normally good to have interactive technological know-how with the ready. Hopefully, I will use a chance to take a look at the shop later on.
Success is what dreams are made of. Success is about making it in life. Fast cars, expensive penthouses, designer labels—in other words, high material viability is the new success mantra. Yet we see large hordes of expert guys demanding to do more than that by trying to find a common denominator for success. No longer weighed in terms of tidy bank balances, success is now regarded as all-inclusive quotient of material, emotional and spiritual gratification. Belying Alvin Toffler`s apocalyptic cry against capitalism and urbanization, success does not remain merely a socially abrasive economic phenomenon in a highly competitive world. Today success represents a holistic and positive attitude to life.
Attitude is everything. If you think you can, you most certainly can. Success is not closeted within some kind of brick and mortar premises. It assumes the individuality of a complete act executed with perfection. Material achievements do not define life. We do not remember the sports stars for the products they endorse but the spirit of achievement they represent. In the abundance of positive attitude underlies the grandeur of a truly rewarding and rich life.
Ancient Indian wisdom believes that the most qualifying aspect of success lies in following the four Purusharthas( tenets) of life. The Purusharthas are based on the four tenets of artha (wealth,social security), kama (fulfillment of desire), dharma( principles)and moksha (salvation). Wealth or artha means earthly possessions and material gains. People usually work hard to procure such standards of success like here in Srbija and yet, find themselves wanting more. Desires condemned by puritans the world over, is motivating force behind all action that manifests as success. High moral credo or dharma is a life based on principles. However the crowning glory to successful life is moksha or freedom from all desires. Artha, kama, dharma and moksha patterns a rite of passage for an adult life. According to Indian thought, success depends upon the smooth transition of an individual through each of these passages.
However, the culture factor definitely influences the success expectation among a people.
I realize that Apple and Microsoft will always be connected due to their place in the Pantheon of tech companies. However, like Mr. Forrest says in describing the store, the experience between the two does have many differences.
I am glad that these two companies are trying to outdo one another, as it has resulted in a lot of innovation over the years. I have yet to go to a Microsoft store, but Mr. Forrest paints a promising picture. The digital wall sounds neat, and it's always good to have interactive technology at the ready. Hopefully, I will have a chance to check out a store in the future.
Good questions with a top guy from Microsoft, I hope you do something similar with a Google tech guy. I spoke with one at a conference not so long ago, he said the google redirect virus removal is a hot topic right now in the tech industry.
Attitude is always pleasant to enjoy the fruits of our labours, of course. Sometimes, however, it seems that whatever we do, it's just not enough to be able to afford that new car or that foreign holiday. So, what do we usually do then? We work harder, longer; we increase the stress on our minds and bodies; we spend less time with our families and friends; we become more irascible and less likeable people.
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Great interview! MS had to begin opening their own stores to counter Apples increasing share of the PC market. If done correctly MS can leverage this to gain some serious marketshare.
"Our digital wall. The high-definition retail display is equal to 18 times the width of an IMAX movie screen."
This is awesome and will be def a good retail experience depending on how they use it. Quite an investment to make for each storefront, however when competing with Apple it may be a requirement to set themselves apart and make a positive impression. Tire Works