Approximately 500 people had lined up by Thursday morning – some overnight – for the grand opening of the Microsoft Store in different pockets throughout the Eaton Centre, according to Larysa Woloszansky, a Microsoft spokesperson.
Around 50 channel partners attended the event, according to organizers.
Microsoft Canada president Janet Kennedy was on hand to address the crowd that had lined up on two levels of the mall to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and also gave $1 million in grants to local groups, including the Ontario Science Center,Youth Employment Services Ontario, Ladies Learning Code, and Youth Assisting Youth.
Microsoft Canada president Janet Kennedy and store manager Rob Lee cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Microsoft Store at the Toronto Eaton Centre.
As the store front was unveiled, Microsoft Store employees danced to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ “Can’t Hold Us.”
The new location employs 42 people, including community and small business specialists, according to Jonathan Adashek, general manager of communication strategy for Microsoft Stores.
Microsoft Store employees cheered on as customers entered the store single file to look at products and make purchases.
A key product at the Microsoft Store was the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, which runs the 64-bit version of Windows 8.1 Pro. According to Adashek, it replaces a traditional laptop and is BYOD-ready.
According to Lee, the store carried at least 20 partner brands. Adashek reaffirmed that the store would be used to promote both Microsoft and partner products.
A customer prepares to buy the Dell Venue 8 Pro 32 GB tablet. It was one of two door crashers that Microsoft offered as part of the grand opening, priced at $99, regularly priced between $249 and $299.99.
The second door crasher was the Xbox 360, also priced at $99, and retails normally for $ 179.99.
Microsoft knows how to throw a party. In case you missed the grand opening of the flagship store at the Toronto Eaton Centre, here’s a look at the festivities.
Read our coverage of the event here: Microsoft Store has finally arrived in downtown Toronto