Microsoft Announces Plans to Open Retail Stores

Microsoft Corp. (Redmond, Wash.) announced that David Porter will join the company as corporate vp, retail stores, leading the company’s efforts to develop and open its own retail stores worldwide. Porter, who will report to Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner, most recently worked for DreamWorks Animation SKG, where he was head of worldwide product distribution. Prior to that appointment, he spent 25 years at Walmart Stores Inc. in roles of increasing responsibility and seniority in store operations, merchandising and information technology. In his last role at Walmart, Porter was vp and general merchandise manager of entertainment.
 

“There are tremendous opportunities ahead for Microsoft to create a world-class shopping experience for our customers,” Porter said. “I am excited about helping consumers make more informed decisions about their PC and software purchases, and we’ll share learnings from our stores with our existing retail and OEM partners that are critical to our success.”

The company says Porter’s first order of business will be defining the time frame, locations and specifics for planned Microsoft-branded retail stores. He will also work with leaders of existing retail programs in Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices Division.