Inspired by the wild success of Apple’s retail stores, Google plans to open some brick-and-mortar stores of its own, according to a report in the 9to5Google web site,
The move makes sense now given Google’s big push into physical (i.e. non-software) products including Chromebooks, Google TV, and Google Glasses. These are the kinds of products people want to touch and feel before buying. Microsoft launched its own retail presence a few years ago for many of the same reasons and is using those stores to drum up excitement around its new Surface devices and other products.
According to 9to5Google:
“The mission of the stores is to get new Google Nexus, Chrome, and especially upcoming products into the hands of prospective customers. Google feels right now that many potential customers need to get hands-on experience with its products before they are willing to purchase.”
The internet search giant is not totally new to the world of face-to-face retail sales: Best Buy hosts Google-themed stores in several locations. There are several Google stores located in Best Buy stores.
Google could not be reached for comment.
Feature photo courtesy of Flickr user blakespot
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