Google has opened its first-ever physical retail store in Manhattan, New York. The doors to the store were opened on June 17.
According to a report by Apple Insider, the store was designed to offer the consumers an “Anti-Apple” experience. The designers of the store, Ivy Ross, told Fast Company,
This space is designed to be a physical expression of what Google stands for.
The store is set to operate on the first floor of the company’s Chelsea neighborhood. People can walk into the store to pick up Pixel devices, Pixelbooks, Nest Smart Home equipment, and Fitbit wearables. The aim behind this is to help people experience Google’s hardware firsthand.
Google had set up partnerships and small pop-up shops that synced alongside new product launches in the past. This was done to enable people to interact with their devices physically. But the tech giant has always preferred web presence as opposed to physical presence.
A recent Google Blog Post said,
We’ll have experts on hand to help visitors get the most out of their device, such as troubleshooting an issue, fixing a cracked Pixel screen or helping with installations,” Google said. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re a longtime 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.
It is spread over an area spanning 5,000 sq. ft. Compared to Apple’s minimalistic and futuristic approach, the Google store aims for a natural and warmer aesthetic. Ross added,
We wanted the space to continue the design principles that radiate from our product. Our philosophy is that technology must fit into our lives, not stand out. We want this space to feel human because we believe that technology is a tool to amplify our possibilities as humans,
Whether or not Google’s physical store will be a success remains to be seen. What do you think of Google’s first-ever physical store? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
