SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Microsoft ( MSFT ) is consolidating its retail channels in mainland China, the firm said in response to media reports that it is closing its network of authorised physical retailers in the world's second-largest economy.

Microsoft ( MSFT ) did not confirm or deny the closures and did not comment on the number of authorised stores that would be impacted by the consolidation, in response to a request for comment from Reuters.

"Microsoft ( MSFT ) continually assesses its retail strategy to meet the evolving needs of our valued customers and we've made the decision to focus our channel approach in Mainland China," it said in a statement.

Microsoft ( MSFT ) products would still be available in the mainland via its retail partners and its own website, it added.

Microsoft ( MSFT ) does not directly operate physical retail stores in China and it did not elaborate on which retail partners would continue to stock its products in the China market.