A MAJOR tech brand is closing down its only UK store from an iconic London location in a matter of days. The company had already closed almost all its retail destinations globally, leaving just a flagship London spot and another in New York. Microsoft opened its 21,000-square-foot store right on Oxford Circus in summer 2019 - and just a stone's throw from rival Apple's Regent Street store.
![[Oxford Street in London, with black cabs and pedestrians at a busy intersection.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-london-mayor-sadiq-khan-966308819.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It served as the first and only UK retail spot for the tech giant. Little-after, Microsoft decided to shutdown 83 stores worldwide in 2020 as a result of coronavirus. The UK and New York sites were the only two saved from the chop. But the locations were revamped into "experience centres" where people could try out the firm's gadgets and latest tech, such as the Xbox, HoloLens headsets and Surface laptops.
![[Crowded interior of a Microsoft store before opening.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/general-view-microsoft-store-prior-966307668.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The UK Microsoft Experience Centre was also home to special gaming events and was used to hold business meetings too. However, the company is planning to close the location down for good in February. In doing so, Microsoft is ending its lease on the building early.
![[Exterior view of a Microsoft Store.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/general-view-microsoft-store-oxford-966307528.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"To better align with its focus on digital growth, Microsoft has decided to exit the lease at the Microsoft Experience Centre in London early," a spokesperson told The Sun. "We regularly review our locations and our workforce to ensure we are aligning to market opportunities and make changes to meet the demands of the business.".
