Microsoft's New Flagship NYC Store Opens Next Month

Move over, Apple Store. Microsoft is coming to Fifth Avenue, too.

Redmond plans to open its first-ever flagship retail store on New York's Fifth Avenue on Oct. 26 at noon ET. The software giant will follow that with its first international flagship store in Sydney on Nov. 12.

Microsoft announced plans for a Fifth Avenue store last year, but it has been a long time coming. "When we architected our retail plans, we committed to providing exceptional choice, value and service, and making a positive impact on the communities in which we operate," Microsoft said. "These flagship stores will deliver on these commitments, offering premier shopping destinations."

As part of its commitment to the community, Microsoft will donate over $5 million in software and technology grants to local organizations in New York and Sydney.

Microsoft already has stores in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, but none as large as the upcoming flagships. Microsoft's New York store, at Fifth Ave. and 53rd St., will be five floors spanning over 22,000 square feet. In anticipation of a diverse set of consumers, Microsoft employees will be able to speak more than 19 languages.

The Sydney store, meanwhile, will be at Westfield Sydney on Pitt Street Mall and span 6,000 square feet and two floors. It will feature "an interactive area to serve local customers and business" and have employees capable of speaking 21 languages.

For more, check out 7 Apple Stores to Visit Before You Die.