Microsoft Hangs a Shingle Taking a page out of Apple’s (AAPL) playbook Microsoft (MSFT) said it will open a “small number” of retail stores in hopes of spicing up its image with consumers. The Wall Street Journal reports the company has hired David Porter former chief of worldwide product distribution for DreamWorks Animation to serve as corporate vice president of the venture. The company said the stores will provide a unique way to learn first-hand about the consumption habits and likes and dislikes of its customers.From the Bull Pen: Microsoft faces a lot of challenges ahead but the action on the ...