Google said its “first-ever physical retail store” will open in New York City’s Chelsea
4 min read
The “Googlecom Store,” according to the firm, contains the usual selection of Google goods, such as Pixel phones, Fitbits, Nest devices, and everything else the business makes, as well as workshops, repairs, and tech support.
If you’re wondering, “There’s no way this is Google’s 1st ever physical retail store!” Google’s comment refers to a permanent, stand-alone store. The company frequently operates brief, seasonal “pop-up” stores around the holidays. It has a small brand store within Best Buys in the US and similar partnerships with other retailers worldwide, such as Curry’s PC World in London.
According to our count, this is Google’s 4th attempt at a standalone, permanent retail site. Who can forget Google Barges, a fleet of container ships that the company secretly purchased in 2010 to establish floating retail showrooms that will purportedly travel the world advertising future commodities such as Google Glass? (Wow, it was a long time ago!) Officials learned about Google’s proposal in 2014, and the project was placed on hold due to fire safety concerns.
A “flagship” retail store in New York City’s SoHo neighbourhood was announced in 2015. (a bit south of the current location). Google reportedly spent $6 million remodelling a 5,000-square-foot facility it had leased before abandoning the project and preferring to sublease the space.
When the Chicago Tribune revealed that Google was building a flagship retail facility in the Fulton Market neighbourhood of the city, it was considered the third attempt. According to a follow-up report published eight months later, the company’s intentions were blocked late in the lease process.
Google’s prior retail forays have failed, but with an official announcement, this store in New York City is further along than any of the other “rumoured” outlets throughout the years. Beginning in 2000, New York was the first location to which Google expanded after California. It is now home to Google’s largest campus outside of its main headquarters in Mountain View. Additionally, the firm purchased the Chelsea Market building (a famous mall/food court) for $2.4 billion in 2018, and it has declared plans to expand into the Hudson Square neighbourhood. This new Google Store would be positioned precisely in the heart of the Google NYC Campus, allowing for easy access to the campus.
What to expect?
Customers can explore and purchase a wide range of Google items at the Google Store, including Pixel phones, Nest gadgets, Fitbit devices, Pixelbooks, and more. Alternatively, consumers can also shop online at GoogleStore.com and pick up their purchases in-store. Visitors will experience how goods and services work together in various immersive ways throughout the shop.
Professionals from Google are on hand to help users get the most out of their Pixel devices, such as resolving issues, assisting with installation, or mending a damaged Pixel screen. Whether you’ve been a long-time Pixel user, are curious about Nest displays, or want to attend one of the how-to seminars Google will be conducting throughout the year, Google’s staff will be able to provide you with the help that is tailored to your specific needs.
Why New York?
The Googlecom Store will be located on the Google NYC urban campus in the Chelsea neighbourhood, home to many of the company’s more than 11,000 employees. In New York for the past 20 years, Google has established a presence that is a logical extension of the company’s long-standing commitment to the community.
The new Googlecom Store is a critical step forward in the hardware journey to provide the best useful Google experience wherever people need it. According to reports, Google is thrilled to welcome new customers and hear their thoughts on the shop to continue to explore and experiment with the potential of physical retail space and improve the experience.
Keeping the health and safety of the customers as the main priority
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our expectations of how we shop have shifted dramatically and indefinitely. Many buyers still want to try out the gear before purchasing it to see how it feels, sounds, and looks in their hands or on a desk. However, in-store shopping may differ from what customers are accustomed to, which is OK. Google’s primary focus is the health and safety of their customers and store crew, and they have created the store and shopping experience with that in mind and an eye toward the future.
Masks, hand sanitation, and social distancing will be necessary in the Googlecom Store, and all places will be cleaned several times every day. The number of guests allowed inside will be limited to safeguard the customers’ safety during their shopping experience, and convenient pickup options will be provided. Google will continue to attentively follow the advice of local and national authorities to modify the health and safety practices as needed.
For exciting posts like this, check out our other sections at EnglishSakshi.com.
