Microsoft Store Ready to be Source for Community

The is abuzz with the impending arrival of the Microsoft Store, which will be holding its grand opening event on May 19 at 9:30 a.m.

The store is planning for weekend-long event to celebrate its opening in Bridgewater. The weekend's events will be highlighted with an appearance by two-time New York Giants Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning on Sunday, May 20th, who will be on-hand to play Kinect for Xbox 360, one of Microsoft's flagship devices, with members of the community.

Manning will be joined by Grammy Award-nominated band OneRepublic, who will be performing at the mall at 7 p.m. on the 19th. Following the Grand Opening event, the store's own theater will be used for anything from concerts—such as the one occurring that evening—to non-profit and charitable events meant to raise awareness for worthy causes in the community.

“To help celebrate the grand opening, we’re inviting local residents to join us as the Microsoft Store presents a special performance by Grammy Award-nominated group OneRepublic,” said a Microsoft representative.

The Bridgewater Microsoft Store is also making sure to do its part to contribute to the local community, working with the Bridgewater Chapter of the Junior Achievers of New Jersey.

“As a part of the Microsoft Store’s ongoing commitment to the local community, the Microsoft Store will donate $1 million in software grants at the grand opening to the local chapter of Junior Achievement,” the representative said.

That isn't the only contribution the Microsoft Store plans on giving to the community. Each branch has a community development specialist dedicated to working with local organizations to arrange in-store events and activities.

"The community events in-store help local organizations drive awareness of their cause within the community and also gives them an opportunity to learn new technology skills," the representative said.

But the store plans to help the community in other ways too—by bringing in jobs for up to 55 people, and offering services and support through personalized training classes on the different technology offerings.

This is something Microsoft seems happy to do. A big part of the reason a Microsoft Store is coming to Bridgewater, aside from the Commons being a central location, is because of the cooperation shown by the township leading up to the grand opening.

"When we looked at real estate options, we evaluated mall traffic patterns in high-performing suburban shopping centers," the representative said. "The Bridgewater Commons is a top-notch shopping destination and the community has been wonderful to work with. We couldn’t be more excited to begin our retail efforts here."

The Microsoft Store of Bridgewater, when it opens, will be the first New Jersey Microsoft Store location and the 17st nationwide.

The store sells and services all Microsoft products, including Windows 7 PCs, Windows phones, Kinect for Xbox 360 and Microsoft Office 2010. The store will also offer complimentary tech trainings and business-ready PCs and phones for business owners on the go.

For more information on the Microsoft Store, visit the website.