So the Microsoft store culture is not like the Apple store culture. Well that's surprising.
Considering their margins are less I'm thinking they don't spend as much money employing customer facing people.
Considering their margins are less I'm thinking they don't spend as much money employing customer facing people.
Microsoft and carrier shops tend to have a thrift store culture. No guidance, no expertise and lots of low-quality stock.
Or worse they have used car dealership culture. Agressive, slick salesmen who see a commission and not a person.
Not a consumer electronics example but a great example of just how big a difference employees who are both excited and knowledgeable about the products they sell is Marbles, the Brain Store. I always felt that the people working there would still be there even if they weren't paid.
Not saying that MS is low margin per se but its certainly lower than Apple.
I see where you're coming from, but I love having diverse retail opportunities. Sometimes I want to go to Nordstrom and have a nearly omniscient person guide me to something stylish and expensive. Sometimes I want to go to the indie coffee shop where the staff is competent but aloof. Sometimes I want to scrounge around in thrift stores, usually finding nothing, but sometimes finding a vintage designer suit that fits like it was made for me.
If the entire retail landscape looked and felt like the Apple store (which I do love) that would be kind of terrible.
There really are Microsoft fans that know how to relate with people. And a lot of them (and others) have a pathological hatred for all things Apple.
I'd hope for some swagger going into any branded store even if I thought their products were overpriced crap (I'm looking at you, Sony Store). Otherwise, it's just depressing.