Microsoft Opens First Northern California Retail Store in Silicon Valley

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More than 1200 customers stood in a line wrapped around Westfield Valley Fair Mall in San Jose, California last week to welcome the thirteenth Microsoft store and first retail location in Silicon Valley. Around 9:30 a.m., the first few fanatics in line watched Dan’l Lewin, corporate vice president of strategic and emerging business development at Microsoft, Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Mathews, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and other community representatives, address the crowd as flashbulbs flickered and local news cameras recorded the opening remarks.

As a part of the Microsoft Store’s commitment to giving back to the local community, Dan’l awarded three software grants of $350,000 each to local organizations ACE Charter School, Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) and Rocketship Education. As stated by San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, the Bay-area has been waiting a long time for this store and this moment. To conclude these remarks, Dan’l cut the ceremonial ribbon dropping the “Coming Soon” banner. Behind the sign stood more than sixty Microsoft employees jumping, screaming and clapping with excitement for the opportunity to finally open the shiny glass doors and reveal the latest and greatest products from Microsoft.

Inside, visitors were led through a series of experiences, including an avatar banner wrapping around the store, a Kinect wall, cloud stations, 3D viewing computer labs, a giant touch-screen chess table and many more hands-on activities.  The Microsoft retail stores are stocked with computer hardware, software, games, music, phones and more. Services also provided include personal training, technical support and ongoing performance tune-ups.  To thank the grand-opening guests, Microsoft awarded the first customers in line with goody bags including concert tickets to The Black Keys or Joe Jonas.

Sorry you missed this grand opening? Head to your local Microsoft store at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall in San Jose to check out the excitement for yourself!