Google will open a series of retail stores across the US before the end of the year, it is being claimed.
Website 9to5Google quotes an “extremely reliable source” as saying the first flagship Google Stores should be open in major metropolitan areas in time for the holidays.
It says the stores aim to “get new Google Nexus, Chrome, and especially upcoming products into the hands of prospective customers.”
Google bosses feel it would help drive up sales if potential customers could actually walk into a store and get “hands on” experience of their products such as people can do in Apple or Microsoft stores.
Currently Google uses the “store-within-a-store” model in several Best Buys in the US and PCWorld/Dixon’s stores in the UK where Google-trained employees can demonstrate products and answer customer questions.
According to 9to5Google: “These new stores will operate independently and make direct sales to customers from Google like the Nexus online store does currently.
“The decision to open stores…came when drawing up plans to take the Google Glass to the public. The leadership thought consumers would need to try Google Glass first hand to make a purchase.”
Via: 9to5Google