Microsoft is attempting to hire Apple retail managers to staff its new stores, Jim Dalrymple of The Loop reports.
Citing anonymous sources, The Loop says managers are being offered better money and in some cases, relocation expenses. They are then encouraged to recruit their former colleagues with similar incentives.
The strategy seems to be in line with Microsoft’s playbook. Earlier this year, Microsoft reportedly tried to lure iPhone developers to the Zune platform with cash incentives.
Which means that Microsoft’s retail strategy can be summarized thus:
- Copy the idea of retail stores
- Hire Apple’s former real estate head George Blankenship as a consultant
- Locate Microsoft’s stores next to Apple’s stores
- Put in face-to-face help desks, but call them Guru Bars instead of Genius Bars
- Hire Apple’s staff
What’s next? Stock the stores with Apple products?
Microsoft’s first retail store is scheduled to open in October near Apple’s retail store in Mission Viejo, Calif., at The Shops.
