As Microsoft begins its foray into brick and mortar retail stores, new reports allege the Washington State-based software giant is poaching sales representatives and management from rival Apple.

Jim Dalrymple, posting on LoopInsight.com, claims Apple's retail store managers are being offered "significant raises" to come work at Microsoft, including offers to pay "moving expenses in some cases."

The situation has become so overt, according to the unaffiliated AppleInsider blog, Apple employees at a retail store in Lynnwood, Washington are planning an October walk-out if senior managers don't do something to address staff loses.