New York – Microsoft announced on Friday that it is going to permanently close most of its stores worldwide, where laptops and other equipment are physically displayed.
Like other retailers, the software and computer giant had had to temporarily close its stores due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to its page, Microsoft has 83 stores worldwide, 72 of them in the United States. Friday’s announcement of a permanent closure reflects what the company called “a strategic shift” in its retail business as sales are more focused on the Internet.
In Puerto Rico the company has a store in Plaza Las Américas, in Hato Rey.
The spokeswoman for the shopping center, Lorraine Vissepó, indicated that she learned of Microsoft’s determination through the press, however, she indicated that she did not know whether the Plaza Las Américas store will be one of those that are closing because they have not yet contacted the administration.
The store, he said, has an opening date of July 1, 2020.
Microsoft reported that it will continue to “reinterpret” physical spaces at its four “Microsoft Experience Centers” in New York, London, Sydney and at the company’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington.
The company said that all employees will have the opportunity to remain at Microsoft.
Microsoft Corp. said the closings will result in a pre-tax charge of $ 450 million – 5 cents a share – in the quarter ending June 30. The company did not mention layoffs.
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