Microsoft has announced its decision to shut down its retails stores in the U.S. and around the world except in four locations. This being New York, Sydney, London and Redmond campus location.

However, the remaining stores that will stay open will serve as experience centres and will not be selling any of their products. This comes as part of their move towards focusing on digital retail.

Microsoft has stated that both the Microsoft.com and as well as Xbox and Windows storefront has recorded a reach of up to 1.2 billion customers in 190 markets. Tech site, The Verge quoted Microsoft, that in the process of closing down their retail stores, no layoffs would take place as Microsoft plans to grow existing talent into a more diverse pool.

News sources further claim that the plan to shut down physical stores was originally to take place next year, however, the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic has somewhat accelerated plans to do so, resulting in sooner than expected.

The move also comes as part of a cautious strategy to combat the spread of the pandemic in the States right now as malls and physical stores still serve as a medium for the spread to take place.

2.51 million Covid-19 positive cases have been confirmed thus far in the United States, registering over 127,000 deaths.