{"id":42200,"date":"2013-05-13T23:37:27","date_gmt":"2013-05-14T06:37:27","guid":{"rendered":"\/?p=42200"},"modified":"2013-07-09T09:19:15","modified_gmt":"2013-07-09T16:19:15","slug":"microsoft-retail-store","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/microsoft-retail-store\/","title":{"rendered":"Visited a Microsoft Retail Store Lately? #GoMicrosoft"},"content":{"rendered":"

Microsoft Retail Store Fulfill All Microsoft-Related Needs, Partnered Post\u2026<\/h3>\n

Where do you turn for all your Microsoft needs, including technical support and training? Where can you go for your XBox gaming fix? Where are you able to rent a theater space for events such as children’s parties for free? Well, I just recently found out that you can find all that and more at the local Microsoft retail store<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Before last week, I didn’t even know that Microsoft retail stores existed and that there was even one near me in Palo Alto at the Stanford Shopping Center. It was kind of funny that it was only one store down from their competitor’s store.<\/p>\n

\"Microsoft \"Microsoft<\/p>\n

Microsoft retail stores are so much more than just a place to buy ‘stuff’. You can purchase Microsoft products but that’s just one portion of the services they offer. There are oodles of items on display so you can test them hands-on including the\u00a0all-new and totally awesome Surface.<\/p>\n

\"Microsoft<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, I was too busy exploring the rest of the store and didn’t get to play with one much. I’ll have to do that next time! There were also XBOX and Kinect games, laptops, Windows 8 PCs, phones, and their related accessories.<\/p>\n

\"Microsoft \"Microsoft<\/p>\n

While I was busy working, my daughter wasted no time in entertaining herself on all the various products. By the way, the wall-to-wall screens really kept the store bright and\u00a0interesting.<\/p>\n

\"Microsoft \"Microsoft<\/p>\n

Already have one or more of these but need help using them? Ask an employee for help or make an appointment at the Answer Desk for, well, answers. You can get assistance in setting up parental controls, getting a tune-up on your Microsoft products,\u00a0or finding out what system is best suited for you and your family.<\/p>\n

Don’t worry if you didn’t buy your Microsoft items from this exact location. Just bring them in and the crew will be more than willing to help you out. Or, if you want, you can go online to\u00a0Microsoftstore.com<\/a> to get instant help from home or any other place you might be.<\/p>\n

\"Microsoft \"Microsoft<\/p>\n

You’ll want to check your local store’s calendar for all the events they have lined up. These will include workshops, summer camps<\/a>, gaming events, networking events, and more. Personal one-on-one training sessions are available able too – all for FREE!<\/p>\n

Most of these are held in the sectioned off theater area. The theater area can be reserved (again, for FREE) for groups and events. Food and drinks are allowed. Just call the store’s Community Development Specialist to book the space. The only thing that concerned me was the fact that the theater area is so open and not really private at all. I’d be concerned with noise and food for the reserving party as well as other patrons.<\/p>\n

\"Microsoft<\/p>\n

I was really surprised at how open and inviting the store was. No one was hovering over you and trying to pressure you so they could get a sale. In fact, we found the staff to be helpful and pretty knowledgeable.<\/p>\n

I also had the chance to hear from Melinda George, Training and Development Specialist from Microsoft stores. Here are a few highlights she shared on our conference call:<\/p>\n