Microsoft won't reopen most retail stores, including in Bay Area

Microsoft Corp. is permanently closing most of its physical retail stores around the world, including three in the Bay Area. The Redmond, Washington-based technology giant said Friday it will permanently close all of its Microsoft Store locations, with the exception of locations in New York City, London, Sydney and its hometown. Those stores will be reconfigured as “experience centers.” Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) lists a total of 72 stores in the United States, including at Westfield Valley Fair…