It’s just been revealed that Microsoft is closing all of its stores as it’s undergoing a strategic change in its retail operations.

The company has retail stores worldwide, including Canada with locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City.

Also included in the update was the news that former store employees will continue to serve customers from Microsoft corporate facilities and remotely providing sales, training, and support.

While the news of the stores closing is a surprise, there is a silver lining. Microsoft will be opening Microsoft Experience Centers in its London, New York City, Sydney, and Redmond campus locations.

“It is a new day for how Microsoft Store team members will serve all customers,” said Microsoft Corporate Vice President David Porter.

“We are energized about the opportunity to innovate in how we engage with all customers, maximize our talent for greatest impact, and most importantly help our valued customers achieve more.”

Microsoft isn’t the only company that is closing stores.

Addition Elle and Thyme Maternity have recently announced that all stores are set to close as well as GUESS.

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The tech giant has recently announced that it will be opening a massive new headquarters in the heart of downtown Toronto.

The 132,000 sq ft facility will be located at CIBC Square at 81 Bay Street and will be spread over 4 floors.

Microsoft will invest $570 million into the project and create 500 new full-time jobs with an additional 500 co-ops/internships.

According to the company, by relocating its headquarters to downtown Toronto, it will be able to better serve its customers and attract top talent to continue to drive innovation and growth.

“Increasingly, Canada is being recognized as a global leader in technology and the investments we are making today and into the future will help ensure Canada continues to be a hotbed of innovation,” said Microsoft Canada President Kevin Peesker.

As stated by Peesker, the headquarters will move to Toronto in 2020, benefiting several cities, from Vancouver to Toronto to Montreal.

“By choosing South Core as its new home, Microsoft is embracing one of the hottest new areas of downtown and Toronto welcomes them with open arms,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory.

Source: www.newswire.ca

I’m desperately in need of a new tablet! The iPad I purchased a few years back was bought on a whim and I didn’t take into consideration how I’d be using my tablet for more than just watching Netflix. As a result, I’m doing some comparison shopping for new tech toys and came across a popular service offered by some retailers to help put money back in shoppers’ pockets.

Retailer ‘Buyback Programs’ are nothing new (often referred to as ‘trade-in’ programs).  Buyback programs ensure that used electronics are disposed of responsibly and/or salvaged and provide customers with a discount towards the purchase of a replacement product.

Buyback programs have been helping consumers upgrade their mobile devices for years. Now, retailers are buying back more than just cell phones; they’re offering rebates for all types of electronics ranging from laptops to cameras. Here’s a roundup of the retailers offering buyback programs in Canada.

Best Buy Canada

Best Buy’s Trade In Program offers customers the opportunity to receive a best buy gift card in exchange for gently used iPods and MP3s, tablets, cell phones, laptops, Macbook, games and gaming consoles. Trade in values are determined by the age, condition and original accessories and packaging brought in alongside your product. Tip: track down all of those manuals and cables that came with your item in order to get the highest return on your trade in.  

Apple Canada

Apple’s Trade Up Program allows Mac and PC owners to get an estimate on the value of their current device in exchange for cash (that’s right, you don’t even have to purchase your replacement device at Apple). Apple has partnered with Phobio to facilitate the online trade-in process. After answering a few short questions about your device and inputting its serial number, you’ll get an idea of your device’s value and can choose to ship it in for a credit using a prepaid shipping label provided by Phobio.

Microsoft Canada

Microsoft’s Trade In & Save Program is geared towards customers wanting to upgrade to a new Surface. Bring your old laptop, tablet, phone, or gaming console into a Microsoft Store and if after an assessment they determine that it has value, you’ll receive a Microsoft Store credit. If your item doesn’t have any value, Microsoft will wipe your data and safely recycle the device for you.

Henry’s

Henry’s Trade It, Upgrade It Program makes upgrading your film camera or DSLR easy. Henry’s will gladly buy back your second-hand equipment and give you a store credit to use towards a purchase. Trade-in values vary depending on the condition of an item. When upgrading to new and pre-order devices, Henry’s often offers special ‘enhanced’ trade-in values to increase the credit received from your used device (this can be up to $200 in added savings).

Have you used a buyback program before? Leave a comment below.

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