Microsoft knows the “keys” to getting an Apple-sized line at its store opening
And they’re BLACK! See what I did there? No? Well, watch this hilarious video of Microsoft’s latest store opening at University Village, Seattle.
Yes, unlike every single Apple Store grand opening – where folks will often camp out overnight simply to be one of the first to cross the glass threshold of the new store and lay out their cold hard cash – it appears not ONE of the thousand or so people lined up at Microsoft’s grand opening had any plans to buy ANYTHING. In fact, most (including the Mayor) appear to be Apple users. So, what brought in the crowds? Free Black Keys tickets.
Well, it probably looked impressive in a still photo. Good thing The Stranger was there with a video camera to call bullshit.
via Chris Data
Burn!!
That’s just sad… Nothing more than that to say.
Mighta been cheaper to just send a bunch of Redmond employees over there to stand in line.
I don’t know.. for some reason I forecast the store will run with 2-3 employees handling ALL the traffic and then in 3 months, maybe 6 , in the middle of the night, a truck will pull up, all the stuff inside and the branding on the outside of the store will be quickly packed up and be gone. Just a feeling…
See, that’s all that Microsoft needs to do to have great foot-traffic in their Microsoft Stores. All they need to do is give away expensive concert tickets 365 days a year, at EVERY Microsoft Store.
Of course that just gets people in the store, but it doesn’t get any sales. That’s a little detail that Microsoft would need to look into sometime in the future. 😉
What a pathetic article. Microsoft wasn’t trying to get a crowd of people for pictures. The point of the Microsoft Store is to increase their brand awareness and build a stronger relationship with their consumers. Even if those people in line weren’t planning on buying anything today, they now know the store exists and is likely to go back in the future.
I dont Think Its sad at All, I laughed the whole time 😀
that girl in the green would put me in line
@ WixosTrix,
Yes, they would come back…. to the Apple Store across the square :0/
Who the hell are the Black Keys?
Okay, in my extensive, vast knowledge of research…I found who the hell TBK are (see what I did there). I thought to myself, if they are such a hip band I bet Apple used their music. Sure enough: 2010/06 WWDC Intra-session, Tighten Up by The Black Keys. Then I found this little jem: ‘Black Keys side project featured on new iPhone 4 video’ little blurb from site: ““Done Did It,” from the band’s hip hop side project Blackroc, is the introduction music on the promotional video for the iPhone 4 from Apple.”
Good job Apple…I mean Microsoft PR Firm in charge of giving out free tickets for the band that doesn’t even use your products….damn good job!