SHANGHAI, July 2 (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.