The Google logo in Seattle. Photo: Toby Scott/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Google announced Thursday it plans to open its first physical retail store in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
Why it matters, via Axios' Ina Fried: Google's move into brick-and-mortar sales comes after the company broadened its hardware with Fitbit, Nest and Pixel. But most major tech companies outside Apple have struggled with physical stores, including Samsung and Sony.
- Microsoft permanently closed most of its physical retail stores last summer during the coronavirus pandemic.
Our thought bubble: It’s one thing to have enough products to fill store shelves. It’s another to have enough fans to generate necessary foot traffic.
What they're saying: Google said its Chelsea store will be part of its urban campus, with employees available for troubleshooting, fixing cracked Pixel screens and installing products.
- Face masks and social distancing will be required in-store for the foreseeable future.