Less than three weeks after opening its first flagship store in North America, US technology giant has opened its second flagship store on one of Australia’s most premier retail locations that attracts an average of 60,000 consumers each day.
The two-story, 6000 square-foot space, located at Westfield Sydney on Pitt Street Mall, was exclusively shown to select media in a sneak-preview event on Wednesday prior to its official opening at midday on Thursday.
The store features the latest technologies from Microsoft and its partners. An Answer Desk has been set up for technical questions, troubleshooting and repairs for Microsoft hardware, software and services.
L to R: Microsoft Sydney store manager, Nick Wells, Microsoft Operations Corporate Vice President of Marketing and Operations, Peter Cray, NSW State Treasurer, The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian and Microsoft Australia managing director, Pip Marlow
Free services include Windows 10 assessment, extended diagnostics on any device, software repair or support, and virus and malware removal. As part of a global partnership, the store also includes an expanded assortment of Dell products.
Free services include Windows 10 assessment, extended diagnostics on any device, software repair or support, and virus and malware removal. As part of a global partnership, the store also includes an expanded assortment of Dell products.
Microsoft Australia managing director, Pip Marlow said, “Our new flagship store is here to showcase the very best of Microsoft to the local community and is a key part of our commitment to delivering an interactive retail experience.”
“We know how much Australian consumers love their technology and Sydney was top of the list for us.
“We want to create a vibrant community so we invite consumers to gather around our store and engage in our products,” she added.
The store also features a community theatre (pictured above), which can host up to 45 customers for educational workshops, trainings and special events. It will serve as a hub for group trainings, individual appointments, seminars and other opportunities.
A number of complimentary workshops and seminars will be open to members of the community in the weeks that follow the grand opening including a digital workshop for girls aged 14-18 to introduce them to the possibilities of coding and potential career paths; a creative coding academy aimed at secondary school students during school holidays and a seminar aimed at parents to equip them with knowledge about online security and safety.
Products available through the store include new Surface devices, such as the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 and the new fitness wearable, Microsoft Band 2. Other products include Microsoft Lumia, Signature Edition PCs, Xbox One, Office as well as a variety of accessories.
Microsoft will donate $4.8 million in software and technology grants to 11 not-for-profit organisations, including The Smith Family, YMCA, Mission Australia, among others.