Enterprise

Microsoft is closing its retail stores around the world indefinitely because of the coronavirus crisis

microsoft store
Microsoft stores will close indefinitely. Matt Weinberger
Read in app

Microsoft is closing all of its retail stores indefinitely due to novel coronavirus health concerns. The company operates over a hundred such stores all over the world, including a flagship location in New York City.

"We know families, remote workers and businesses are under unique pressure at this time, and we are still here to serve you online at microsoft.com," the company wrote on Twitter on Monday night announcing the closures.

Microsoft said the closures were effective immediately. The company joins several major retailers in closing stores amid the outbreak.

Apple previously said it would keep all stores outside of China closed until March 27, but a banner that appeared on the company's website on Tuesday said the stores are closed "until further notice," suggesting longer closures.

An analyst survey on Monday suggested Microsoft could weather the outbreak while many companies are expected to cut spending and delay deals because of three key businesses: the Azure cloud, Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams.

Got a tip? Contact this reporter via email at astewart@bjinnox.com, message her on Twitter @ashannstew, or send her a secure message through Signal at 425-344-8242.

Read next

Ashley Stewart Business Insider
Ashley Stewart
Ashley Stewart reports on technology companies including Microsoft from Seattle.Get an alert whenever I publish a story.Do you work at Microsoft or have insight to share? Contact this reporter via email at astewart@bjinnox.com or Signal at +1-425-344-8242.Use a personal email address and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.