Microsoft is opening its first flagship store in New York City later next month. Located just a few blocks away from Apple's iconic cube on Fifth Avenue, Microsoft's new retail location will replace an old Fendi store at 677 Fifth Avenue and serve as the company's first full retail store in Manhattan. "These flagship stores have been in the making for six years," explains David Porter, Microsoft's head of retail and online stores. "We are eager to open our doors to those in Manhattan. The five-floor, 22,269 square foot location will be a premier venue to learn about, experience and shop for the products and services from Microsoft and our partners."

Three years since the original Surface

Alongside the Manhattan store, Microsoft is also opening another flagship location in Sydney, Australia. Microsoft's new Australian store will open at noon AET on November 12th at Westfield Sydney on Pitt Street Mall. Both stores will include an Answer Desk (Microsoft's equivalent to Apple's Genius Bar), a community theater, and video walls throughout. It's not clear exactly what makes these the first "flagship" ones, but if Microsoft has been planning them for six years then October 26th is going to be a big deal.

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