LEAKED: Microsoft Retail Store Concept Sketch!

You heard it months ago: Microsoft plans to open retail stores. Why? Because Apple has stores. But Microsoft surely has selling stuff and other business-y goals in mind too.

Well, you won't need to wait the few weeks (?) remaining before launch to get a peek inside the MS retail experience. This site has acquired a leaked concept sketch, believed to represent one possible configuration (if not necessarily the one shoppers will see). Take a look!

Open large-size image in new window 

Mmm, mall-licious!

Okay, so they've got the desire, they've got the money, and now we know they've got the plans on paper. But retail's not easy, even if those fruit guys make it look so. The question we're all asking: Does Microsoft have the competence to pull this off?

Never fear! Remember, these are the folks behind Windows Vista, the Zune, and the many recent high-profile Windows ad campaigns. Living proof that if there's one thing these people abound in, it's in competence.