Sometimes copying a successful proven strategy is far more rewarding than the risks of trying something new that has never been seen before. Remember how Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) did so well by having a store within a store at Best Buy Co. (NYSE: BBY)? This worked well, but it worked well enough that others are now emulating the effort. Earlier this year we saw that Samsung was launching 1,400 ‘Experience’ stores inside Best Buy locations. Now we have confirmation that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) is going after the same store-within-a-store concept.
Today’s news has been confirmed in a press release. The new strategic partnership will create a Windows Store at Best Buy in roughly 500 U.S. Best Buy stores. Another 100 or more Best Buy and Future Shop locations in Canada will also get the stores. All in all, that will be 600 stores.
The alliance will add more than 1,200 Best Buy Microsoft-trained sales associates for the effort as well. As far as how large these stores will be, the release is indicating that these stores will be approximately 1,500 to 2,200 square feet. Consumers inside of Best Buy will get to see and sample a range of products and accessories: Windows-based tablets and PCs, Windows Phones, Microsoft Office, Xbox, and more.
Best Buy shares have already been recovering in 2013 after a long slow decline. Shares are up 0.6% at $27.04 so far after this news broke and the 52-week trading range is $11.20 to $28.37.
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