Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer rarely attends the opening of a new Microsoft Store retail location, but he will make an exception on Friday when the company's leader makes an appearance at the store launch in Troy, Michigan.
The Detroit CBS website reports that Ballmer will lead the ribbon cutting ceremony for the store, which will be located in the Somerset Collection shopping center. Ballmer is likely making an exception because this store is located near his birthplace of Detroit; he grew up in the nearby suburb of Farmington Hills, Michigan. Ballmer will also reportedly give away about $1 million in software grants as part of the store's opening ceremonies, although details about that giveaway were not revealed.
The store is scheduled to open at 10:30 a.m. local time. As usual, Microsoft will celebrate the launch of its latest retail store with a free concert later that day. The Troy, Michigan, event will be hosted by singer Kelly Clarkson, who has appeared at more than one Microsoft Store opening concert. Tickets for the free concert will be given out to the first people in line for the store opening so it's best to arrive early if you happen to be in the area.
The store will employ about 45 people and will be a full retail store, rather than the smaller specialty stores that Microsoft has been opening more of in the U.S. in recent weeks.
Source: CBS Detroit
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