Ahead of the launch of Xbox Series X, Microsoft closes its physical stores across the world Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Ahead of the launch of Xbox Series X, Microsoft closes its physical stores across the world No layoffs planned. News by Wesley Yin-Poole Deputy Editorial Director Updated on 27 Jun 2020 92 comments Microsoft will close its physical stores across the world, it has announced. The Microsoft Store at Oxford Circus. It said it will "reimagine" its flagships (London, New York City, Sydney, and its Redmond campus location), as Microsoft Experience Centers that do not sell products. But Microsoft's 80+ standard retail units will close. The company said its retail staff will work from Microsoft's corporate facilities to provide sales remotely, as well as training and support. According to a report by The Verge, no layoffs are planned. The closures will result in a $450m charge that includes asset write-offs and impairments. Microsoft insisted it will continue to invest in its digital stores on Microsoft.com, as well as Xbox and Windows, which, the company said, reach more than 1.2 billion people every month in 190 markets. "Our sales have grown online as our product portfolio has evolved to largely digital offerings, and our talented team has proven success serving customers beyond any physical location," said Microsoft Corporate Vice President David Porter. "We are grateful to our Microsoft Store customers and we look forward to continuing to serve them online and with our retail sales team at Microsoft corporate locations." Microsoft closed all its physical stores in late March due to coronavirus. The Verge reports Microsoft had planned to close the stores at some point in 2021, but the pandemic accelerated its plans. The closures come just months ahead of the planned launch of the Xbox Series X. Microsoft has used its stores to showcase its devices, including Xbox consoles. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 3 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 10 Latest Articles Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 3 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store