The Microsoft Store at the St. Johns Town Center is permanently closing, along with the seven other stores it operates across Florida.
The technology company announced Friday it is closing all Microsoft Store physical locations, although the digital storefront on Microsoft.com will continue.
According to a news release, Microsoft is closing all of its stores across the globe, with the exception of its Microsoft Experience Center locations in London, New York City, Sydney and at its Redmond, Wa., campus.
“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.
Although the physical stores are closing, none of its physical products such as Xbox or Windows 10 devices are being dropped. Instead, Microsoft says its sales have been shifting more and more online.
Microsoft said its Windows and Xbox products reach more than 1.2 billion people each month in 190 markets.
The Microsoft Store first opened at the St. Johns Town Center on November 22, 2013.
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Microsoft stock opened down on the news Monday morning at $194.23, compared to $197.28 at Friday’s close. But by 10 a.m., its stock was rising. As of 10:28 a.m. it was trading at $195.98.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
