Microsoft will open its own line of retail stores with David Porter at the helm. Porter, whose title will be corporate vice president of retail stores, comes to Microsoft from DreamWorks Animation SKG, where he was head of worldwide product distribution. He also spent 25 years at Wal-Mart Stores.

His first day at Microsoft was Feb. 16.

A Microsoft spokesperson told the Reporter, via e-mail, that “timing is yet to be determined on the opening of the stores. David Porter and his newly created retail stores team will drive the planning and timing of store locations. Our target is a small number of high-profile experience stores in a few major cities around the world.”

The main objective, the e-mail continued, “is to change the buying experience for consumers around the world — to show and demonstrate Microsoft’s key consumer products in a deeper and more meaningful way. This is the focus of our retail push.”

The spokesperson declined to comment on how the Microsoft retail stores might compare to Apple stores, how many people the Microsoft stores would employ or what skills would be needed to work there.

In a press release, Porter commented, “There are tremendous opportunities ahead for Microsoft to create a world-class shopping experience for our customers.”

Porter will report to Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner.