Apple losing retail staff to Microsoft's cash incentives?

by Stevie Smith - Sep 23 2009, 15:30

With reports suggesting Microsoft is preparing to take the Internet Tablet fight to Apple with the sassy, hinged Courier and its dual-screen touch interface, it would appear the American software giant is now looking to muscle in on Apple’s territory at the retail level.

Specifically, a report posted this week on The Loop is claiming Redmond-based Microsoft is attempting to sneakily filch staff from official bricks-and-mortar Apple Stores in order to better equip its own line of fresh-faced Microsoft outlets.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a number of people have allegedly come forward to reveal that Microsoft has been actively luring away Apple Store managers by offering “significant raises” and even financial assistance connected to geographical relocation.

According to the report, once Apple Store managers have successfully signed on the dotted line with the American software giant, they are then encouraged to contact other valuable employees within Apple’s retail network in an effort to further enrich Microsoft’s own staff pool.

Microsoft’s first walk-in retail stores are destined to open in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mission Vejo, California, and will stock Windows and Office software, Xbox videogame hardware and accessories, the Zune multimedia player, and also computer systems produced by Microsoft partner hardware manufacturers.

The Tech Herald: Apple and Microsoft stores set to clash in California

 

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