Microsoft wants to put stores “next to Apple” ones.

There is a heated rivalry between Apple and Microsoft that has been increasing in the past 8 years or so. Well, ever since the release of the iPod and Apple’s subsequent increase in market share since then. For awhile it was just a friendly rivalry between the two, but then Apple decided that its market share wasn’t growing fast enough and it decided to start hitting Microsoft where it hurt and begin poking fun of PCs with those “I’m a Mac, and I’m a PC” commercials.

While it took them a few months, Microsoft answered in a way that kind of hit Apple in one of its only weak spots, price. Now Microsoft is constantly running the commercials about someone walking into (usually a Best Buy) store, to buy a laptop only to discover their price range doesn’t include Apple products.

Reportedly, Apple wasn’t happy with those commercials and dropped the price on some of its products then asked Microsoft to stop showing them. Well, needless to say, Microsoft is still showing the commercials regardless of a $100-$200 price drop from Apple.

Now, Microsoft really wants to try to show Apple that it’s boss. Microsoft chief operating officer, Kevin Turner, said that the company is planning to open retail stores “right next door to Apple” starting in the fall. He also said that Microsoft is in the game for “the long term” and that it has hired a retail team.  It has hired a 25 year Wal Mart veteran to begin the process, but really hasn’t said anything until now since February about the venture.

Apple only owns 250 stores worldwide, so it shouldn’t be hard for Microsoft to infiltrate those markets. From my own observations, it shouldn’t be hard right now for Microsoft to buy buildings and space next to the Apple stores because so many retailers have been going out of business, there are plenty of empty retail spaces…even next to Apple stores.