As much as this is another case of copying a successful Apple venture , it's probably not a bad move for MS.
Given the PR nightmare they had with Vista, rolling out (the generally positive) Windows 7 in a retail environment will gather a lot of traffic. Hardcore PC users will have something to be proud about for a change.
No doubt it'll be an open concept with a PC Guru and a Guru Bar.
One word of caution however. I don't think MS should tactically position these store in any close proximity to an Apple store. Sure, MS could suggest 'we're better than OSX, so we have nothing to fear'. But let's face it, it's more than just the OS. Apple is cool. It does cools and exudes cool without trying. The last thing they need is a photo of an empty MS store next to a jam packed Apple store.
