3 local Microsoft stores won’t reopen as tech giant moves away from brick-and-mortar retail

Microsoft Corp. is closing its physical retail stores around the world.

The Redmond, Washington-based technology giant announced June 26 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, with three mall locations in the Houston area: The Galleria, The Woodlands Mall…