If the store near me that just opened is any indication (I still haven't gone in though), they also promote other Microsoft products like the Xbox 360 and smart

If the store near me that just opened is any indication (I still haven't gone in though), they also promote other Microsoft products like the Xbox 360 and smartphones running Windows Phone 7. I think Microsoft is trying to attempt to provide a better buying experience (compared to retailers like Best Buy) and in-person customer support a la Apple's Genius Bar. Just the store looks a lot more appealing to visit than my local Best Buy. Funny enough, there are Apple, Sony, and Microsoft stores separated by a couple other stores from each other in the same mall near me (Westfield Century City). They're all overflowing with employees, but the only one that ever seems to have a crowd of potential customers around is Apple. Even despite the kinda cramped, dark, enclosed space it's in compared to the Sony and Microsoft stores.