Microsoft readies Oak Brook store for Thursday's grand opening
Tech fans will have yet another toy store to revel in as the upcoming holiday season approaches.
Microsoft Corp. opens its 4,400-square-foot retail store in Oak Brook Center, near 22nd Street and Route 83, on Thursday, taking on stiff competition from similar “experience” stores by Apple and AT&T already established around the suburbs.
The new store will offer hundreds of Microsoft PCs with Windows 7, Xbox releases, Windows phones and other products.
The store also will have a theater, where customers can learn about technology and work with employees to personalize their PC setup and receive training. It's also available to small business owners.
Other special features include a personal shopper, classes and events, and an answer desk. The store will have about 40 to 50 workers, a spokeswoman said.
The store opens the same day that Microsoft will have its new gaming system for the holidays, the controllerless Xbox Kinect gaming system, a spokeswoman said.
The day starts with a press preview at 8:30 a.m., a grand opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. with Microsoft's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner; and the doors open to the public at 10 a.m.
The first 50 people in line are expected to get free gift bags and wrist bands redeemable for 10 percent off their purchases in the store between Nov. 4 and Nov. 7.
Celebrity appearances on Thursday include Grammy Award winning artist Colbie Caillat and Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester. Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks will be there on Friday.
While Microsoft is coming into the market with a strong push, it still must face the holiday season here with competition from other major players.
Apple already has a stronghold on the region with stores in Schaumburg, Deer Park, Oak Brook, Naperville, Skokie, Northbrook, Orland Park and Chicago.
AT&T has its experience store nearby on 22nd Street in Oak Brook, as well.
In the meantime, if you want to keep up with Microsoft's Oak Brook store, check the Microsoft Store Facebook page.