SALEM — Microsoft is opening its first retail store in the Granite State next Saturday at the Mall at Rockingham Park, already home to its top rival, Apple.

The nearest Microsoft retail store at Prudential Center in Boston, which opened in August.

“We’re all very excited to have the first New Hampshire location in Salem,” said Pete Harrington, eastern U.S. market manager for Microsoft.

Microsoft opened its first retail location in 2009 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

It has since opened 23 retail outlets. An additional seven stores are scheduled to open this year. Each store has about 40 part-time and full-time staff.

In making its decision, Microsoft evaluated mall traffic patterns in high-performing suburban shopping centers before deciding on the Mall at Rockingham Park.

“The local community has been wonderful to work with and we couldn’t be more excited to begin our retail efforts in Salem,” Harrington said.

The Mall at Rockingham Park has been home to an Apple store since December 2001.

Apple opened its first two retail stores in 2001 and now has more than 380 stores worldwide, according to a company spokesman.

But proximity to its competitor was not a large factor in Microsoft’s decision to locate in Salem. “We don’t spend a lot of time on such comparisons,” Harrington said.

“We measure our success by our ability to bring value to people and to have a positive impact in the community we go into. We are focused on bringing great products and services to market which, over time, drive market valuation.”

The Microsoft store while feature a digital wall where customers can touch, feel, and test the technology. Products will inclued Windows 7 PCs, Windows phones Kinect for Xbox 360 and Office 2010.

Customers will also have a chance to customize their gear by designing their own lids and skins for laptops, phones, and Xbox.

Store associates are trained to help consumers find the best fit for their needs and budgets and help them understand how to get the most out of their technology investments, regardless of brand.

A complimentary, personalized setup session is also available.

Support continues even after the customer leaves the store. The answers desk offers personal training and shopping sessions.

Classes are also available in the store’s theater.

“Beyond products and services, there’s also a real commitment to the community through in-store activities and support of local organizations,” Harrington said.

Events may include scouts earning badges, chamber of commerce meetings, science class field trips and resume workshops for women reentering the workforce.

The opening ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. and includes a $1 million software donation from Microsoft to a local youth organization.

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Julie Hanson may be reached at Jhanson@newstote.com.