Richfield-based Best Buy Company, Inc., announced Thursday that it has partnered with Microsoft Corporation to add small, in-store Windows shops within roughly 600 Best Buy locations.
 
The move builds upon a recently launched store-within-a-store partnership, through which Samsung shops are being built in 1,400 Best Buy locations. Microsoft’s small Windows stores, which will range in size from 1,500 to 2,200 square feet, will be added inside 500 U.S. Best Buy locations and more than 100 Canada stores.
 
The Windows mini-stores will provide consumers with a place to test, compare, and purchase Windows-based tablets, PCs, phones, accessories, and Xbox consoles. It will provide one-stop shopping for Windows products, rather than having them scattered throughout the store.
 
“The Windows Store offers a large-scale, hands-on customer experience that will show customers how Windows and Microsoft devices and services can make it easier for them to work and play,” Tami Reller, chief marketing and financial officer of the Windows Division at Microsoft, said in a statement. “We’re pleased to partner with Best Buy in bringing the latest technologies to consumers at scale in a unique environment where they can explore how Microsoft products fit together across entertainment, travel, music, and other scenarios.” 
 
The alliance will also result in the addition of more than 1,200 Microsoft-trained sales associates that will be stationed in the mini stores for customer assistance.
 
“Best Buy’s chief goal is to serve our customers as only we can, whether they come to us online or in stores. The Windows Store creates the kind of retail destination we all want to shop in, combining great selection, the latest technology, the best service, and the lowest prices,” Jason Bonfig, vice president of computing for Best Buy, said in a statement. “What our customers will see in these 600 stores is something totally new and fully in line with our determination to transform Best Buy.”
 
The concept will be rolled out from late June through September. The two companies also launched a website that they hope will mirror the in-store experience, while also highlighting store locations, promotions, and joint marketing efforts.