Microsoft 's stealing Apple store managers and sales staff

As Microsoft gears to roll out its retail stores, similar to that of rival Apple, the company is now also reportedly trying to poach Apple Store employees.

Sources told The Loop that Microsoft has been contacting Apple Store managers, offering them significant raises, and for some, moving expenses.

The poached managers are then trying to hire their best salespeople in the Apple retail store by offering them raises if they come work at Microsoft's retail stores.

The similarities to Apple stores don’t just end with its employees. Earlier in July, Microsoft described the model of its stores which include Windows 7, PCTV and Smartphone sections along the walls. In the center, there will be tables with products on them labeled Learn, Connect and Info - much like the Apple retail stores.

Microsoft will also have a “Guru Bar, similar to the Apple Genius.

Last month, Microsoft posted two photos of its new retail construction sites on its Twitter account. These photos, of course, don't give us much about what the store interiors will really look like.

Below is the store in Scottsdale, Ariz.:

Below is the store in Mission Viejo, Calif.: