Denver and San Diego, put down those skis and surfboards and get ready for a completely new (yet somehow familiar) retail experience, because the most enthusiastic and colorful Microsoft cheerleaders outside of Steve Ballmer are headed your way.

Silicon Alley Insider has done some sleuthing and discovered the locations for Microsoft's next retail stores, which will expand the chain from its current spots in Mission Viejo, Calif., and Scottsdale, Ariz. The stores, which take more than a few cues from Apple's outlets, are intended to build Microsoft's brand, give it some front-line retail experience, and ultimately contribute to the company's bottom line.

Given the timing, we feel compelled to note that this is not an April Fools' joke, with ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley separately confirming the news with Microsoft. No word on the precise timing of the openings. (Update: A Microsoft representative also confirmed the news in response to our inquiry, declining to give further details.)

Silicon Alley Insider's Jay Yarow notes that Microsoft has started advertising for job openings in the upcoming Denver and San Diego stores.

In another display of journalistic resourcefulness, Yarow reports that Apple stores near the existing Microsoft locations register more Foursquare check-ins -- but the gap isn't as much as you'd expect, considering that Apple customers may be more likely to have Foursquare-friendly iPhones in their pockets.

Previously: Retail experts: Microsoft store strategy smart, not shameful