NEW YORK: Technology giant Google said it would open its first physical store in New York City this summer, mirroring a retail approach that has helped Apple rake in billions of dollars in the last two decades.
The Google store will be located in the city’s Chelsea neighborhood near its New York City campus, which houses over 11,000 employees. The new Google Store will be a “space where customers can experience our hardware and services in a helpful way.”
Google, which has set up pop-up stores in the past to promote its products, said it would sell Pixel smartphones, Pixelbooks and Fitbit fitness trackers along with Nest smart home devices at the retail outlet.
Visitors will also be able to avail customer service for their devices and pick up their online orders at the store. They can shop online at GoogleStore.com and pick up their orders in store.
Google said the visitors will be able to experience how Google products and services work together in a “variety of immersive ways”, more of which Google will share when the doors open.
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Google will also have experts on hand to help visitors get the most out of their devices, such as troubleshooting an issue, fixing a cracked device screen or helping customers with installations.
Jason Rosenthal, VP, Direct Channels & Membership, at Google, said in announcing the launch: “It doesn’t matter whether you’re a long-time Pixel user, are curious about our Nest displays or want to participate in one of the how-to workshops we’ll offer throughout the year — our team will be able to provide you with help that’s specific and personalized to your needs.”
The announcement signals the internet giant has taken a leaf out of Apple’s play-book of operating physical stores and providing in-person services to boost sales.
Apple, which opened its first two retail stores in Virginia in 2001, has 270 stores in the United States and many more around the world that drive its sales and also provide shoppers hands-on customer service.
