Microsoft Attempting to Lure Away Apple Retail Store Staff?

[NightFox]

Moving seems a stupid thing to do. These MS stores won't be around in 3 years time.

I'm not sure that many Apple Store employees will still be in the same job in 3 years time though. Don't know about staff turnover numbers, but there always seems to be new faces in the stores I visit. These days I don't think people in retail jobs stay in the same job for much more than a couple of years do they?

 

[ziggyonice]

It doesn't matter that they helped save Apple from near collapse, even if they had profit to gain from the deal?

Not saying that it wasn't important, the original comment was simply not relevant to the conversation. It'd be like saying, "Apple has the iPod which is great, but now Microsoft has the Zune, which is terrible... except hey, you've got to give credit to MS for making that DEAL!"

It's just, like... what?

 

[BongoBanger]

Not saying that it wasn't important, the original comment was simply not relevant to the conversation. It'd be like saying, "Apple has the iPod which is great, but now Microsoft has the Zune, which is terrible... except hey, you've got to give credit to MS for making that DEAL!"

It's just, like... what?

Not a great analogy since the new Zune HD gets very positive reviews.

 

[NightFox]

Now, no doubt trying to snatch employees is low....but then again, isn't this the mediocre/melancholy/unoriginal MS that we've always been used to?

But as other have already said, this headhunting is common business practice!

If I was running a big business that was opening up retail outlets and I employed you to staff them for me, where are you going to go to get the experienced people I need? I'm afraid I'd be sacking you pretty soon if you hadn't approached the best people already out there.

 

[WeegieMac]

As people have already posted, the majority of people who work in the Apple stores across the world do so because they love Apple and have an affinity for the brand and the products.

In turn, this means that Microsoft would hold little interest to them since the reason they use Mac's is because they prefer the system to a Windows PC.

The only people who will seriously consider leaving to work for Microsoft would be people with some financial difficulties, but even then can you imagine moving from an Apple store, working with Mac's, iPhone's, iPod's, the Genius Bar, and working with PC's all made by different brands, Windows 7, and the customers complaining? PC owners, and I don't need statistics to back this up, complain more about their system freezing, crashing, locking up, or failing altogether than Mac owners.

So, in short ... good luck Microsoft. You'll need it.

 

[ziggyonice]

Not a great analogy since the new Zune HD gets very positive reviews.

I don't think you're getting the point. I give up.

 

[allmIne]

FAIL because most people work there because they like Apple.

I think most people started working there because they liked Apple. I'd wager many of them continue working there because they've got bills to pay.

I worked in an entirely different store (Game UK) that was also extremely fussy on 'metrics' (in my case, 13% of all sales had to be accessories, 50% of consoles had to have extended warranties sold with them, 66% of all game sales had to be pre-owned, and I had to have 4 pre-orders per shift).

Now, I'm not sure of Apples exact metrics, but it makes life pretty ****. It got to the point where I'd hide out back when people were looking at consoles, just to pad my percentages. I wasn't the only one, either.

I realise that's an entirely different store, but the point remains that metrics make shifts hell, and from what I've read, Apple can be similar at times.

 

[DMann]

It doesn't matter that they helped save Apple from near collapse, even if they had profit to gain from the deal? Mutual or not, the point is that they were essentially bailed out by, yes, MS....

Now, no doubt trying to snatch employees is low....but then again, isn't this the mediocre/melancholy/unoriginal MS that we've always been used to?

Incidentally, this deal was made in order to settle litigation over GUI infringement. Apple, in turn, agreed to make Internet Explorer the default browser over Netscape, and Microsoft agreed to continue developing Office and other software for the Mac for the next 5 years, and purchase $150 million of non-voting Apple stock - they sold it after the 5 year period (bad move). It was in the best interest of MS to keep Apple in business as a competitor, so as to avoid being deemed a monopoly and broken up into smaller companies. One can debate over who bailed who out regarding this scenario.

I don't think you're getting the point. I give up.

Ha ha ha.... we feel for ya.

 

[oTaRu]

Is there something wrong with the M$ management or HR level's mind??? What are they thinking? They are making their own reputations falling...

 

[andy721]

So typical of Microsoft. Who would want an employee discounted pile of garbage PC or a ZUNE HD in todays world?

I'd pass I rather chop my hand off then work for them.

 

[fishmoose]

Breaking News: Microsoft offers Steve Jobs cash and a Zune HD to join Microsoft as CEO!!

 

[ditzy]

They must realise that this makes them look desperate. Oh well it gave me a laugh.

 

[ss957916]

FAIL because most people work there because they like Apple.

What planet are you on?! I bet most of the people who work there couldn't give a stuff about Apple - it's a job. It pays (a little bit of) money. Or do you think they do it for the love of it and hand back their monthly pay cheque for Apple to reinvest in R&D?

I really wonder about all the Apple fan boys out there - they assume that everyone else in the world worships Steve Jobbs too.

 

[MadMacxxx]

Not saying that it wasn't important, the original comment was simply not relevant to the conversation. It'd be like saying, "Apple has the iPod which is great, but now Microsoft has the Zune, which is terrible... except hey, you've got to give credit to MS for making that DEAL!"

It's just, like... what?

yea, oh well...but I understand

I don't think you're getting the point. I give up.

No I got it

Incidentally, this deal was made in order to settle litigation over GUI infringement. Apple, in turn, agreed to make Internet Explorer the default browser over Netscape, and Microsoft agreed to continue developing Office and other software for the Mac for the next 5 years, and purchase $150 million of non-voting Apple stock - they sold it after the 5 year period (bad move). It was in the best interest of MS to keep Apple in business as a competitor, so as to avoid being deemed a monopoly and broken up into smaller companies. One can debate over who bailed who out regarding this scenario.

Ok, so basically, Microsoft owed it to Apple since they ripped Apple's point and click command based GUI and marketed it more aggressively, which ultimately led to Apple'e decline in the first place...? So, legally MS was not allowed to do that? In that case, its not fair to say that it was Apple's fault for failing to market their own GUI as effectively as MS. Apple took MS to court? This was no bailout...this was court ordered compensation

 

[MadMacxxx]

This type of luring happens all the time among executives...

 

[OutSpoken]

Some of you are taking this way too seriously. We are talking about a retail store here. What does this mean? In general, not very bright employees. This is hardly a question of ethics, or "loyalty" to a brand. I have about 3 or 4 Apple stores around me, and the employees definitely know less about their products than the people on this forum. They don't REALLY care. They just think it's a "cool" place to work, and all you really need to be hired is to look "edgy."

NDA's? Are you serious? They don't know anything anyway. I've found products in stores employees had never heard of. I've had employees tell me they just wanted to work because it was "cool" and they didn't care at ALL about Apple. I've had employees not know about the iPod back to school promotions.

Hiring away managers? Sure, could be a decent move from MS if they do it. It's just a freakin job, I'd actually think someone would be stranger to stick with Apple for less money out of "principle," as if the companies are really that different at the core. Whose approval are these people supposed to be seeking anyway? So, it's a noble profession to work for beans, as long as it's in retail at an Apple store? Some of you guys need to get a little real here. I really like working on my OSX machines, but it's just a way to get your work done. It's not a way of life.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[celtikmind]

Some of you are taking this way too seriously. We are talking about a retail store here. What does this mean? In general, not very bright employees. This is hardly a question of ethics, or "loyalty" to a brand. I have about 3 or 4 Apple stores around me, and the employees definitely know less about their products than the people on this forum. They don't REALLY care. They just think it's a "cool" place to work, and all you really need to be hired is to look "edgy."

NDA's? Are you serious? They don't know anything anyway. I've found products in stores employees had never heard of. I've had employees tell me they just wanted to work because it was "cool" and they didn't care at ALL about Apple. I've had employees not know about the iPod back to school promotions.

Hiring away managers? Sure, could be a decent move from MS if they do it. It's just a freakin job, I'd actually think someone would be stranger to stick with Apple for less money out of "principle," as if the companies are really that different at the core. Whose approval are these people supposed to be seeking anyway? So, it's a noble profession to work for beans, as long as it's in retail at an Apple store? Some of you guys need to get a little real here. I really like working on my OSX machines, but it's just a way to get your work done. It's not a way of life.

One little refreshing drop in a vast sea of surreality...

Thank you for posting something worth reading and showing that at least someone on this board still have a connection to reality. Apple does not recruit on belief and worship alone, money is involved except in retail from what appears.

This thread really makes the dark ages look enlightened... One little accusation is thrown around and you all go off like a starving witch-mob? Why don't the rest of you fanboys some of the dignity you claim to have and admit that corporations are corporations and humans... humans!

 

[MatthewsTech]

Get your own!

*&%#, Microsoft! Get you own staff, freeloaders!
Apple, get on top of this!

 

[alabanco]

they copied iPod, Store. Now they are getting store's personnel.
They have just one thing left - start selling Macs.

 

[djellison]

*&%#, Microsoft! Get you own staff, freeloaders!
Apple, get on top of this!

What are you on?

They ARE getting their own staff. They happen to be head-hunting them from other IT retail outlets.

What's the problem.

 

[gnasher729]

Like most everyone has said, if the employee takes it then they're really not that committed to Apple... This almost seems to be helping Apple through filtering out those who love apple for apple and those who love apple for the paycheck.

People work wherever they work for several reasons: Because they need money (unfortunate if that is the only reason), because they enjoy the work they are doing (good for them), because they enjoy working with the people they work with (even better of them), maybe because they like being associated with the company or the products. If anyone works at Apple because they love Apple, I would consider that seriously weird.

I know one Apple Store nearby my home; it looks from the outside as if there is a really good working atmosphere, people seem very helpful, definitely not a place for the work shy (there are other shops nearby where you _can_ hide and not do much; not in the Apple Store). Seems like a good place to work; I'd think people there would think hard before they leave for some other place. But "love Apple"? Nonsense.

As people have already posted, the majority of people who work in the Apple stores across the world do so because they love Apple and have an affinity for the brand and the products.

Most people work there because Apple pays reasonably well for retail, and you don't have to wear a stupid uniform like in other stores

 

[uaecasher]

shame on you Microsoft, I guess this will be the new Mac vs PC ad title

I mean doing this Microsoft has proven that they trust apple employees and customer service.

 

[gnasher729]

I worked in an entirely different store (Game UK) that was also extremely fussy on 'metrics' (in my case, 13% of all sales had to be accessories, 50% of consoles had to have extended warranties sold with them, 66% of all game sales had to be pre-owned, and I had to have 4 pre-orders per shift).

Now, I'm not sure of Apples exact metrics, but it makes life pretty ****. It got to the point where I'd hide out back when people were looking at consoles, just to pad my percentages. I wasn't the only one, either.

Do I understand that right: Because of the sales goal you had, if I entered your shop and bought the "wrong" item, then that extra sale could make you _miss_ your sales goals? So it was better for you to hide and not sell to me what I want? Like if I bought a console, and I really don't want the extended warranty, your boss would tell you off, but if you hide and I buy that same console in another store, you are fine?

 

[4D4M]

Yeah, if only MS listened to people like us rather than their own highly experienced and qualified business analysts and consultants, they might be a successful company today rather than a two-bit software outfit that no-ones heard of.

Maybe they should open their eyes and look around a bit. After all, look what happened the last time they tried listening to their "highly experienced and qualified" staff... Vista!

 

[MH01]

For the first time, all the Specialists, Geniuses, Creatives... they'll all have to ask themselves what working for Apple really means. Do they work because they are passionate and engaged to represent the philosophy, ideals, and products that Apple stands for? Or are they in it just for the paycheck?

For those who choose the latter, I say good riddance. It leaves those who are truly worthwhile, knowledgeable of Apple inside and out -- available to help customers and inspire switchers to the Mac, among other Apple technologies. Without the core of Apple's retail team (those who are engaged and dedicated to the brand), the influence that Apple would have in their stores would be minimal, at best. But they've done something that no other retail chain has done before: finding associates who share the same level of pride in products that customers are so eager to own.

If Microsoft is unable to acquire associates that possess the same passion as those who work for Apple, their attempt at retail will be a failure.

Reading this, the first thing that jumps to mind is Disney. And Disney takes advantage of its workforce cause they are passionate and loyal and are prepared to work for less. If Apple is serious about these employees, match the M$ offer. I feel sorry for the poor chump that will work for 1/2 that of the m$ employee cause he loves the company. Apple is no different to m$ when it comes to making money.

And please guys wake up, Apple has been recruiting staff from competitors just like any other company.

I am surprised that everyone is shocked at this news. Do people really think that Businesses do not headhunt staff from each other???

Right now Apple is top dog in the retail store business. Competition is a good thing, by m$ pushing apple, we will get better Apple stores.