Whereas, at the soon-to-be-opened Microsoft stores nearby, all sales associates will need permission just to let you in the store.
Ignoring the fact that you could simply enter without permission from any number of side or back doors. ;) Joking aside, the article really does say more about law firms than Apple. Any electronics store that operates on a commission model would be close to the "law firm" mentality.
I suspect MS will regret that decision. I think their proximity will just drive more traffic to Apple. Leave MS, go to Apple to supplement any purchase made at MS or look at what MS has and go to Apple to compare. Either way, Apple wins and MS at best breaks even.