Microsoft opens first retail store in Arizona

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. Microsoft gave its answer to the Apple stores this week, by launching its own retail venture.

The software giant opened its first retail store in Scottsdale, Ariz., The Arizona Republic reported, and it looks like it won't be the last. According to the report, the Microsoft Store will sell a variety of brands, including Panasonic, Dell and LG, that all run on Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system, which has just been released.

The Microsoft Store may help the company compete better with Apple in the area of customer service, by allowing it to better interact with its customers.

Asecond store is planned for Mission Viejo, Calif., according to The Republic, with more planned if the two stores perform well.