It's been said before: Microsoft's Apple (or Google) envy will be the end of them.
This seems like a misadventure waiting to happen. I feel like Microsoft strategy is a blunt object that they hurl at anything their competitors touch. It's almost a little painful to watch. You kind of want to lean over and whisper in Microsoft's ear, "You're too old to be wearing that."
I think this could work out really well for microsoft. They have tons of advanced technology that would really bolster their public image if it were showcased in a nice way. I'm thinking surface, photosynth, seadragon, hand writing recongition, etc...
So basically showcasing a bunch of technology they aren't making money off of in hopes they will buy other products while they visit? I think most people buy Windows and Word because its standard not because the technology impresses them.
As for improving the public images, is the mainstream consumer persuaded by a companies ability to be on the cutting edge or the ability to satisfy their current needs effectively?
I can see how this seems to be a bad idea but executed correctly this can be a success for Microsoft and this also means that they probably shouldn't just copy Apple's concept.
What kind of Products does MS offer? Computer Accessories, MP3 Players, Game Consoles, Software and lots of advanced technology (and probably more...). The question now is how to ideally showcase this assortment. For the Accessories, the Music Players and the Game Consoles this is pretty easy even though it might be hard to find a concept that integrates the different crowds those products are aimed at. It gets more difficult with the advanced technology and software.
For the advanced technology (e.g. Photosynth, Surface etc.) I would propose a kind of show case where you let people play around with the products and enable them to find out what you, as a company, are capable of. For the Software I would propose a kind of shop in shop concept. I would partner with Hardware Manufacturers like HP and Dell and let them showcase their computers in a way that is probably similar to the way Apple does in its shops.
I really think this could work out even though it for sure isn't an easy endeavor.
It's not what he's good at that's bad for Microsoft. Microsoft stores will need to be more than data-driven: they'll need creative inspiration if they're going to help rebuild the brand, and that's a very different task from running Wal-Mart, even the entertainment division. It's not clear that Porter would know how to pull this off. Especially since he spent 25 years with Wal-Mart. This doesn't suggest a breadth of experience with retail experiences.
Incidentally, there used to be a Microsoft store at the Metreon in San Francisco. It was fairly swanky, but it didn't make me think any more highly of the brand or their products.
I agree with your points about Wal-Mart not translating to creative marketing, but something many news agencies are missing out on in reporting this is that he used to work for Wal-Mart but is actually leaving Dreamworks, where he worked in global product distribution. So he has at least had exposure to creative content marketing. Hopefully that helps, at least in terms of recognizing creativity if not in producing it.
This seems like a misadventure waiting to happen. I feel like Microsoft strategy is a blunt object that they hurl at anything their competitors touch. It's almost a little painful to watch. You kind of want to lean over and whisper in Microsoft's ear, "You're too old to be wearing that."