With an intention to compete against Apple in the retail sector, software giant Microsoft will open 75 new stores in the US within the next two to three years.

Speaking at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2011, COO Kevin Turner announced that the company would increase the number of its retail stores to a total of 86 over the nest two to three years.

Currently, Microsoft has only 11 retail stores running at different locations within the US. On the other hand, Microsoft’s Cupertino-based rival, Apple, has as many as 327 stores worldwide.

Out of the total existing 11 stores, four stores are located in California alone. Thus, the software giant lacks a robust nationwide presence in this retail sector. Opening of 75 new stores will allow the company to make its presence felt in key markets like Texas, New York and Florida.

The new stores will definitely help Microsoft sell more products. Microsoft will find itself in a better position to sell products ranging from Xbox games to the Windows Phone 7 OS.

But according to Turner, the move will also allow the company "to transition from thinking about our customers to thinking like our customers." In other words, the stores will allow Microsoft to get valuable feedback from customers.