Microsoft's first flagship store set to open October 26th in NYC

Earlier this month we reported that Microsoft’s first flagship store located at 677 Fifth Avenue in New York City was looking close to finished. The temporary scaffolding had been removed and the store received a fresh new cover to conceal the storefront until its ready for the grand opening.

Join us for Microsoft's flagship grand opening celebration on Fifth Ave & 53rd St, 10/26. http://t.co/OkILBmto7D pic.twitter.com/HprN8MeXfJ

— Microsoft Store (@MicrosoftStore) September 30, 2015

Turns out the store is definitely almost ready as Microsoft announced today that the five floor 22,269 sq. foot store in Manhattan will open Monday, October 26th at noon ET. Microsoft also announced that their second flagship store will open in Sydney, Australia on Pitt Street Mall on Thursday, November 12th at noon AET.
In today’s announcement, Microsoft said:

“These flagship stores have been in the making for six years. When we architected our retail plans, we committed to providing exceptional choice, value and service, and making a positive impact on the communities in which we operate. These flagship stores will deliver on these commitments, offering premier shopping destinations. During the past several months, both flagship store sites have transformed into cutting-edge spaces that represent the best of Microsoft – we can’t wait to open our doors to those who work, live, visit and shop in these areas.”

To celebrate the opening of the stores, Microsoft has also announced they will be donating more than $5 million in software and technology grants to select local organizations in the New York and Sydney communities. The stores will include familiar Microsoft store features such as the Answer Desk and the Community Theater, but as we have previously reported, Microsoft has said that there will also be a new floor in the store that is an “experimental space” for customers to come and see.
With Microsoft set to announce next week a new lineup of Windows 10 devices, including the rumored Lumia 950/950XL, the Surface Pro 4, and the Band 2, the Microsoft flagship store might be one of the best first places to experience the new devices in person.