Microsoft has announced the closure of its flagship store on Oxford Street in London, marking the end of its six-year presence in the location. The 21,000 sq ft Microsoft Experience Centre, which opened in 2019, will shut its doors in February 2025. The move is part of a broader strategic shift towards “digital growth,” as the tech giant reviews its approach to physical retail spaces.
A Microsoft spokesperson explained that the decision to exit the lease early was made to better align the company’s operations with its evolving digital focus. The spokesperson stated, “To better align with its focus on digital growth, Microsoft has decided to exit the lease at the Microsoft Experience Centre in London early. We regularly review our locations and workforce to ensure we are aligning with market opportunities and adapting to the demands of the business.”
This closure follows a growing trend of retailers rethinking their presence on Oxford Street. As a retail destination, the iconic shopping area is seeing a decline in foot traffic, with several high-profile stores either closing or planning to close. For example, NikeTown London, the sportswear giant’s flagship store, temporarily closed its doors earlier this month for a major revamp in preparation for a grand reopening. Other brands like River Island, Urban Outfitters, and Zara have also chosen not to renew their leases, citing shifting retail strategies and the challenges of maintaining large physical stores.
There are indications of the area’s revitalization despite the continuous closures. The retail scene in central London is changing, as evidenced by Abercrombie & Fitch’s announcement in January 2025 that it would open two new stores on Oxford Street and in Covent Garden.
