Microsoft will close almost all of its retail stores, as the Coronavirus has led it to take a “new approach to retail”.

A blog explained that more than 100 stores worldwide will close, with only four Microsoft Experience Centres left open - a move set to cost the tech giant $450 million this quarter in pre-tax asset impairment charges.

The recently-opened flagship in London, along with key sites in New York, Sydney and Redmond will be revamped with a focus on letting customers interact with Microsoft’s products before later purchasing them digitally.

All existing retail staff will be given the opportunity to “continue to serve customers from Microsoft corporate facilities and remotely”, with no planned redundancies as a result of the closures.

“Microsoft will continue to invest in its digital storefronts on Microsoft.com, and stores in Xbox and Windows, reaching more than 1.2 billion people every month in 190 markets,” read a statement.

Corporate vice president David Porter added: “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”.

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