Today it has been announced by Microsoft that it will open its first two retail stores that are similar to those of its archrival Apple Inc. in Arizona and California.

According to Cnet, it has been confirmed by the Vole that on Tuesday it has signed leases on storefronts in those two upscale bedroom communities.

The Redmond, Wash., giant will open stores in Scottsdale, Ariz. and in Mission Viejo Apparently. Apparently, the Mission Viejo location has been targeted by Microsoft because there’s already an Apple store in the same mall.

It has been said by Kevin Turner, who is Microsoft’s chief operating officer,that his company’s strategy is such that they will put some of its stores near rival Apple stores.

According to news reports, these two stores should open in the fall.