Microsoft closes almost all of its retail stores, including two in the Valley

Microsoft Corp. is closing its physical retail stores around the world. The Redmond, Washington-based technology giant announced 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 one in Chandler Fashion Center and one in Scottsdale Fashion Square.…