Microsoft to open Windows stores within Best Buy

500 special stores will exclusively sell Windows-based tablets and computers.

Microsoft said it would open 500 special stores within existing Best Buy stores in the US selling exclusively Windows-based tablets and computers and other Microsoft products in an effort to revitalise sales of its flagship operating system.

The worlds largest software company,which already has a chain of 70 or so of its own Microsoft Stores and kiosks within shopping malls,said on Thursday the initiative would add more than 1,200 Best Buy Microsoft-trained sales associates to help customers.

Microsofts new Windows 8 operating system has sold more than 100 million copies since its launch in October,but sales of new tablets and PCs running the software,and its own Surface tablet,have not been as strong as it hoped. An updated version called Windows 8.1 is scheduled for release later this year.

Part of the problem has been that Microsoft has struggled to get the attention of shoppers at large retailers such as Best Buy due to the profusion and popularity of Apples iPad and tablets running Googles Android system.

The new store-within-a-store approach offers a large-scale,hands-on customer experience of Microsoft products,said Tami Reller,head of marketing at Microsofts Windows unit.

Microsofts plan comes just two months after Samsung Electronics also unveiled plans to install its brand shops in more than 1,400 Best Buy stores this year.