Microsoft Stores to Debut in Calif., Ariz.

Microsoft (Redmond, Wash) has announced the locations of its first two planned retail stores – Scottsdale, Ariz. and Mission Viejo, Calif. The latter location, which is set to open this fall, will be in a mall that already houses an Apple store, as well as a Nordstrom and Pottery Barn. The Scottsdale Fashion Square will be solely Microsoft territory.

While sketches of a possible store layout were leaked last week, Microsoft has not confirmed the final look of the stores but says they will carry Microsoft software and first-party hardware, such as Zunes and Xbox 360 consoles, as well as third-party Windows software and Xbox games.

Microsoft spokeswoman Kim Stocks told CNET that it chose the two towns because they're “hot markets” with the right demographics. “Over a billion people use our products every day yet we don't always have a way to directly connect with them,” Stocks says. “We see the physical stores, as well as a consistent online experience, helping that.”

Stocks says the software company, which will launch Windows 7 in October, plans to launch stores outside the U.S., but hasn't announced where or when. “The goal is to go global,” Stocks told CNET.