Microsoft to set up retail outlets

Microsoft has revealed plans to open retail stores for which it has has hired a retail team.

Revealing its plans at the company's annual Worldwide Partner Conference, Microsoft COO Kevin Turner  disclosed that Microsoft would set up shops in cities across the US, where customers will be able to get their hands on Microsoft hardware, including Xbox and Zune and software through third-party products.

At some places, the Microsoft stores will be in close proximity to Apple.

The company first hinted at its ambitions in February, when Microsoft hired David Porter, formerly of Dreamworks animation and Wal-Mart, to lead the retail push.

Microsoft has repeatedly said it does not plan to emulate the grandiose Apple stores that can be found in major cities around the world, where Apple fans often waited overnight in line to witness the grand opening.