Microsoft flagship stores in New York City and Sydney get official opening dates

Both Microsoft and Apple Stores are freakin' awesome. While the latter usually has more foot traffic, the former is no slouch. I rather enjoy playing with all of the cool stuff in the Microsoft Store, such as Surface, Band, Xbox One, and more.

Sadly, a flagship Microsoft Store has been absent in one of the world's busiest places -- New York City. The company has been working on changing this, however, and today it announces the official grand opening date for the flagship location. In addition to Manhattan, the first-ever "International" Microsoft Store in Australia receives an official opening date too.

"Today, we get one step closer to expanding our direct, face-to-face connection with Microsoft fans and are happy to share grand opening dates for both Microsoft flagship stores. Microsoft on Fifth Ave. and 53rd St. will open on Monday, Oct. 26, at noon ET and Microsoft at Westfield Sydney on Pitt Street Mall will open on Thursday, Nov. 12, at noon AET", says David Porter, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Retail and Online Stores, Microsoft.

Porter further shares, "we are going to celebrate the New York and Sydney communities in a big way. For starters, we will donate more than $5 million in software and technology grants to select local organizations, as part of our company mission to help people achieve more in their lives. Our grand opening festivities in each city will recognize the great work done by these organizations and we will share more details on our community celebrations soon".

As someone who has attended a Microsoft Store opening (you can see a video above), I can assure you that it is a total blast. Not only should there be music playing, giveaways and awesome deals, but the charity aspect is really inspiring.

Microsoft makes it a point to donate to local charities, rather than just support its national ones. In other words, when the company moves into a community it instantly starts helping it, and that is awesome. We are talking millions of dollars, folks.

Will you be attending either of the store openings? Tell me in the comments. Maybe we can hang out that day in NYC!