Microsoft is taking Apple's popular stores head on but the software giant needs some help.
On Friday the company announced it is looking for job applicants for its first two retail stores in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mission Viejo, Calif.
Microsoft posted 16 full time and part time openings on its website and issued a disclaimer that employees must be able to lift between 50 and 70 pounds to load and unload products for customers. Salary for the positions were not listed.
"We’re looking for new store employees who love technology and teaching and helping others," Gretchen Ledgard, the founder and editor of Microsoft's JobsBlog, said in a statement. "In particular, we’re looking for people with technical backgrounds who can help customers choose the best Microsoft products and services for their needs and troubleshoot any technical issue they may have."
In July Microsoft's chief operating officer Kevin Turner said it was planning to open retail stores "right next door to Apple" in the fall and his company was going to compete with the MacBook maker for the long haul.
Microsoft might have to reconsider reducing its weight lifting requirements before Apple starts taking the storefront threat seriously.
