Microsoft to open first UK store in London, one minute away from Apple’s Oxford Circus store
Microsoft has announced it will open a UK flagship store in London this summer.
The tech giant’s first physical UK store will open in Regent Street on 11 July, just a one minute walk away from Apple’s London flagship branch.
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The branch near Oxford Circus will feature “immersive video walls” throughout and an “answer deck”, offering tech support, training, repairs and advice.
Free tech, coding and Stem learning workshops and programmes will be offered at the store’s community theatre.
John Carter, who has been appointed Microsoft Store manager, said: “This will be more than just a store. Customers will have the chance to explore and get hands-on with technology.
“We’ve got a passionate group of store associates ready to bring the experience of tech alive for customers. Unique to any job in retail, there will be many ways for us to give back to our communities, help them build connections, and grow.”
Microsoft already runs three gaming studios in the UK, as well as startup hub Reactor London and a research lab in Cambridge.
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This new flagship store builds upon Microsoft's significant track record of investment in the UK," said Cindy Rose from Microsoft UK.
"More importantly, located in the heart of central London it will serve as a vibrant hub – for both visitors to our great city as well as a variety of different local communities – to come and play, learn, create and discover."