Oregon-based retailer Computer Stores NW, owners of the regional chain called The Mac Store, will open a new retail store just three miles from the world headquarters of Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington.

"With the popularity of the iPod, and the resulting growing popularity of the Mac and Apple in general, we thought it was time to see Redmond with a Mac Store in its backyard," said Kevin Anderson, CEO of Computer Stores NW. "Despite the presence of Microsoft as a major employer in that area, we know there are many Mac devotees in their ranks, and of course the area has great demographics for the iPod and all its accessories."

With seven retail/service stores, The Mac Stores is a longtime northwest local Mac devotee hangout, and has become the country's largest Apple Specialist, a special designation given to Apple-centric outlets that achieve specific goals and guidelines for the reselling of Apple product. For instance, Anderson says, "Any employee who interacts with a customer must become what's called an Apple Product Professional, which designates that they have been trained and are knowledgeable on the entire line of Apple products." In addition, the Mac Stores have complete service and repair centers, training facilities called "Mac University," and an outbound service called "Mac Housecalls."