Continuing its tradition of leveraging music stars to generate buzz with free concerts, Microsoft is hosting a performance from rock band Weezer Friday to help promote the new Microsoft Store in Portland that opened today.
Nearly 300 waited in line outside the downtown Portland store throughout the night to nab VIP tickets for tomorrow’s show, as Microsoft also gave away free tickets to customers today.
We are officially open! Come down to @ShopatPioneer and party with us! #MicrosoftOR pic.twitter.com/koUyvMvdgp
— Microsoft Store (@MicrosoftStore) June 20, 2013
The Redmond software giant is also opening a new “Speciality Store” in Seattle’s Pacific Place on Friday. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate will be on hand to sign autographs and play on the Kinect with customers.
Last week, Microsoft got the Seattle superstar rap duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis to help open its Hawaii store.
This is all part of a broader national rollout for the Microsoft Stores, many of which — Portland included — are being built in close proximity to Apple stores. How convenient!