Our London Flagship Store - Now Open for Business...and Much More

Hello World. Our newest flagship Microsoft store opened today in the heart of central London on Oxford Circus! This store is a significant sign of Microsoft’s commitment to the UK, one which builds on our long and proud history of investing in this market. This beautiful space is more than just a store – it’s a hub for bringing together a multitude of local communities whether that be students, educators, gamers, small businesses, etc.  

Our mission at Microsoft is to empower every person and org on the planet to achieve more. This flagship is a destination where we can engage with local community to bring our mission to life.  Whether it’s teaching kids to code, training educators on how to use tech in the classroom, or showing small businesses and large enterprises how Microsoft can help digitally transform their organisation, this store will be the best place to experience all that’s possible with Microsoft.

To celebrate the opening, earlier this week we announced a ￡1 million community donation that builds on our commitment to support the growth of vital digital skills across the UK and right here in the heart of London. Working with our local community partners UK Youth, the Raspberry Pi Foundation and the London Community Foundation, we’ll support the development of digital skills for disadvantaged young people, communities -- and the volunteers that support them -- so that they too can access the opportunities of this 4th industrial revolution.

As our store takes up residence on Oxford Circus, we are celebrating some exciting new partnerships with local British brands. To welcome Microsoft to the West End, iconic British department store, Liberty London, has created a limited-edition design combining archive prints from 1875, when Liberty first opened its doors, and a floral design from 1975, the year that Microsoft was founded. This design has been printed on six limited edition Microsoft Surface devices, available to purchase as part of an online charity auction live on eBay. All proceeds will benefit SpecialEffect, a UK-based charity helping to bring fun and inclusion back into the lives of people with physical disabilities by helping them to play video games.

We have had a lot of support in making today possible. I want to thank our friends and partners at The Crown Estate and Westminster City Council without whom this day would not be possible; our neighbors and the New West End Company who contribute so much to making Oxford Circus a world-class shopping destination and a place we are now proud to call home; and, finally our Store Manager, John Carter and our incredible store Associates, whose passion, energy and commitment will represent the very best of what Microsoft has to offer.  

If you missed it, take a look at our LinkedIn Live stream of today’s opening. 

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