Microsoft plans its first UK store

TECH giant Microsoft is poised to park its tanks on rival Apple’s lawn with a new flagship store in the UK.

The US seller of software, computers and games consoles is said to be close to opening its first British shop, in London’s Oxford Circus.

It is seeking a lease on the unit occupied by United Colours of Benetton, the Italian fashion house, according to Retail Week. The move would put it just a few hundred feet from rival Apple’s Regent Street store, which recently had a major revamp.

Apple’s 11,000 square foot London store has served as its main space in the capital for showcasing new products to shoppers since it opened in 2004.