WHAT? Microsoft is Opening Stores?

We really weren’t expecting to see an announcement like this.

Microsoft is planning a “worldwide” rollout of retail stores and has hired David Porter, a former Wal-Mart executive who spent 25 years at the retailer. Beyond that, details are sketchy, but you can read Microsoft’s press release here.

While Some Pull Back, Other Chains Expand

We started off the year writing articles on GlobeSt.com announcing plans by major retailers to either shut down or scale back their expansion plans. Ethan Allen is consolidating locations, Talbots is discontinuing its men’s and children’s chains and Pier 1 and Ruby Tuesday are holding off on new units. This doesn’t surprise us, given the current recession concerns.

But other retailers are doing the exact opposite. Urban Outfitters recently acquired a gardening business, and executives plan to ramp that up. American Eagle Outfitters is expanding its Aerie chain and is launching new concept called 77kids. Coach’s management announced today that they see the potential for 500 stores in North America, up from the 282 they currently operate.

Wal-Mart Ramping Up Against Tesco?

Is Wal-Mart taking on Tesco as the latter ramps up its US presence? Yes, according to a report in the Financial Times. Wal-Mart is apparently testing four 20,000-sf, grocery-store units to compete with the British retailer’s rollout , which will feature 10,000-sf locations.

The article says that the logo of the new store come “with a stylised tomato, egg and grape topped by a Wal-Mart blue star” guesses that the store will “have a far stronger stress on fresh foods.”

Abercrombie Goes Down Under(wear)

While other retailers announced their plans to close stores in the last week, Abercrombie & Fitch has gone the other route, making public its plans to launch an underwear line called Gilly Hicks. Management of the New Albany, OH-based company had previously called the brand “Concept 5,” as it is the retailer’s fifth chain.

Gilly Hicks already has a steamy website (WARNING: It does contain some nudity), which doesn’t surprise us, as Abercrombie is known for its controversial marketing campaigns. The new chain’s name is supposed to have something to do with Sydney, Australia.