Microsoft to rebrand Nokia retail stores to Microsoft Priority Resellers, starts with India

Hammad Saleem

Microsoft to rebrand Nokia retail stores to Microsoft Priority Resellers, starts with India

It seems Microsoft has started the next phase of the rebranding of Nokia. Earlier today, it was revealed that Microsoft is now changing Nokia’s retail locations to Microsoft in Brazil, rebranding over 50 locations in one of the key markets. Microsoft is often criticized for not opening up enough retail locations in markets other than the US and a few other key locations, but it seems things are about to change as Microsoft plans to rebrand 16,000 Nokia retail locations to Microsoft Priority Resellers.

The company has started the retail stores rebranding process with the first Microsoft Priority Reseller opening up in India, which will be followed by thousands of other Nokia locations in the country, as reported by Economic Times India. Chris Weber, corporate vice president, Microsoft Mobile Device Sales, was present in Gurgaon, India for the launch of the first ever Priority Reseller. The company aims to expand its retail presence across key markets, and India is a great place to start off with. Out of a total of 16,000 retail locations, more than half are in India, which is one of the biggest smartphone markets in the world.

“Of 16,000 stores in all markets, 9000 are in India. We will invest more in India than any other market in the world for rebranding,” Weber said.

The rebranded stores will be classified into two categories: Microsoft Priority Resellers and Microsoft Mobile Sellers. The former will have all the products offered by the company including the Xbox console, mobile phones, PCs and more, while the value and experience stores will be known as the Mobile Sellers. The company will continue to honor Nokia warranties and will provide services through the Care centers.

The rebranding will take some time, and varies for different locations, but one good thing is, Microsoft will have a solid retail presence not just in the US, but in several other countries as well.