Dubai, 30 April, 2009: Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division Middle East launched their new partner training program, 'Microsoft Retail Champs' at a recent partners event held at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Dubai.

Falling in line with Microsoft's strategy of offering retailers with shared objectives of profitability and higher transaction values, the new program aims at enhancing the sales competency of retail sales professionals.

"The highest influencers in a customer's decision making process for electronic products in the Middle East are the retail sales professionals," said Armagan Demir, Head of Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division Middle East. "With 75% of consumer purchase decisions made at the retail sales floor, sales people are the biggest differentiator for a consumer experience and offer the highest return on investment (ROI) for retailers."

Demir added: "Our partners and retailers are key to our success and Microsoft is devoted to providing continuous support and seamless communications with its sales channels. The 'Microsoft Retail Champs' equips sales professionals with strategic tools and assets to ensure a superior customer experience and a sustainable retailer performance."

Microsoft's commitment in the 'Retail Champs' program is to offer periodic one-to-one training updates, classroom trainings, certification, incentives, and morale building events. Furthermore, Microsoft is committed to advancing retail sales people from one level of professional sales competency to another, through sustained and varied trainings and tools.

Attended by 28 retailers and over 120 Retail Sales Personnel, the event's agenda also focused on different means of selling, such as: 'Attach' selling (bundling) and Cross and Up Selling.

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For more information, please contact
Tarek El-Moukachar
Asda'a Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +971 4 3344550
Fax: +971 4 3344556
t.elmoukachar@asdaa.com
b-taem@microsoft.com

© Press Release 2009