Microsoft is looking to expand its retail presence beyond the United States, planning to open Microsoft Stores in London and Toronto, according to two reports.
The move is notable in part because Microsoft Stores will be the primary physical distribution channel for the company’s upcoming Surface tablet computer.
The Toronto Star says the company has filed for permits to build a store at the Yorkdale Shopping Center in Toronto. It would mark the first expansion by Microsoft’s retail chain beyond the United States.
Meanwhile, the Verge reports that Microsoft is planning to open its first store in the UK, most likely in London, early next year.
Microsoft currently has about 25 stores in the U.S. A year ago, Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner said the company would accelerate its store openings in the U.S., with up to 75 additional stores over the next two to three years, and expand internationally, as well.
Apple, which opened its first stores in 2001, currently has more than 360 of them worldwide.
