One expert called the plans "too techie," but applauded Microsoft for tackling retail.

Late Friday, posted more than four dozen slides from a July 7 PowerPoint presentation created by New York-based Lippicott, a self-styled "design and brand strategy" consultant firm. Lippicott's consumer retail clients include Borders, Dairy Queen, Intuit and Keebler.

The 54 posted images, part of a 140-slide collection, detailed everything from store layout ideas and a shopping bag design to Microsoft's answer to Apple's Genius Bar and a wrap-around digital display wall.

Today, Microsoft acknowledged it had hired Lippicott, but downplayed the significance of the plans. "As a part of our process in briefing creative agencies, we shared some early prototypes and concepts of our retail store plans," said Microsoft spokesman Frank Shaw in a Monday e-mail. No final decisions have been made. As we previously announced, we are on track to open retail stores this Fall."

Microsoft first announced in February that it would by creating retail stores under its own brand. Microsoft hired a former DreamWorks executive, David Porter, to head the effort.