Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)’s Mini-Stores Are a Great Idea

The various Lumia phones represent a big portion of overall Windows Phone sales, and Nokia will likely benefit more than any other manufacturer from the Microsoft deal.

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Adoption of Windows phone in the US has been slow, but the Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) mini-stores will give consumers the opportunity to try out the devices firsthand. This is good news for Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK), as more exposure will likely lead to higher sales. The newest Lumia phone, the Lumia 925, has received great reviews touting its exceptional camera and sleek design, and this gives Nokia a real competitor to high-end Android phones. The phone also features a metal shell, differentiating it from cheap-feeling phones made from plastic.

Getting people to hold the Lumia 925 in their hands is the best way for Nokia to build awareness of the quality phones which the company is making, and the Microsoft mini-stores are the perfect venue for this.

The bottom line

The Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) mini-stores are a positive for everyone involved. Microsoft and Nokia will benefit from the increased exposure as customers try out the devices, and trained sales associates will be able to tout the many features of Windows 8 and Windows phone. For Best Buy, this deal validates its new strategy and fills the void left by removing much of the CD and DVD section of the stores. Best Buy is taking steps towards becoming the premier destination for consumer electronics once again, and the steps are in the right direction.

Timothy Green owns shares of Microsoft and Best Buy. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft. Timothy is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

The article Microsoft’s Mini-Stores Are a Great Idea originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Timothy Green.

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