Looks like Microsoft will have some very well-informed assistance as it tries to replicate the success of Apple's retail stores. Former Apple real estate chief George Blankenship, who helped lead the early rollout of the Mac maker's retail stores, is working with Microsoft as the Redmond company prepares to launch a retail chain of its own.

Blankenship, who spent much of his career at Gap, is an expert in securing prime retail locations. A Microsoft representative confirmed that he's now working on real estate with Microsoft -- but as a consultant, not as a full-time employee. The company declined to go into any detail on his role, but his experience stands to be a big benefit as Microsoft pushes into the retail market.

Microsoft hasn't said precisely where it will be opening its stores. Calls to Seattle-area retail centers this week didn't turn up any clues, with some property managers suggesting that Microsoft might not open a store in its hometown region as part of the initial wave.

The company has started advertising for retail employment positions on its Web site -- seeking, for example, a store manager to lead a "highly knowledgeable and friendly team of technical, sales driven customer focused Microsoft retail employees in providing an unparalleled purchase and after purchase experiences, ultimately driving sales and market share."

Microsoft first revealed its retail ambitions in February, when it named former DreamWorks Animation and Wal-Mart executive David Porter its  corporate vice president of retail stores. In the past, Microsoft executives have downplayed the notion that Microsoft is merely copying Apple's retail strategy. Earlier this week, however, Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner (also a former Wal-Mart executive) said the company would be opening its first stores this fall -- including some "right next door to Apple stores."

Turner also sought to allay concerns that Microsoft will be competing with retailers that sell its products.

"Every single thing we learn in those Microsoft stores that we put on the street we're going to share that openly and transparently with all of our retail partners so that they can do the exact same thing," he said at Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference, according to a transcript. "And we're going to get that customer feedback directly. We're in the game for the long-term here. And I know something about retail, and we've hired and incredible team to do an incredible job on retail."

Blankenship was hands-on during his time at Apple, showing up to oversee store openings such as Apple's 2004 European retail debut on London's Regent Street.

By opening some stores this fall, Microsoft will give itself a direct retail presence for showcasing Windows 7 and related products. CNet News.com's Ina Fried reported earlier this week that Microsoft will start with a few stores this fall, adding more next year.