Google has long been rumored to be entering the physical retail space. And, finally it happened. Google has opened its first Google-branded store-in-a-store selling space, and chose London for the location. The Google Shop is based inside the Currys PC World store on Tottenham Court Road in London, a popular area for electronics retailers in the capital. Inside the Google Shop, a range of Android phones and tablets, Chromebook laptops, and Chromecast TV services are all available for purchase. It also give tutorials showing consumers how to use the devices and some of Google’s main applications.
The store also features what the company described as “an immersive surround-screen installation” where users can “fly” through any part of the planet through Google Earth. It will also have a wall where people can use digital spray cans to paint their own take on Google’s logo, which they can then share on social media.
In addition to the Tottenham Court Road store, Google plans to open two more London-area shops. Currys Pc World stores in the London borough of Fulham and the Essex borough of Thurrock are both set to feature Google branded stores later in the year.