Google to open retail stores by end of 2013, report says
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JUNE 27: A Nexus 7 tablet is ready for use at the Google Developers Conference as developer Brad McManus tries out the new device on June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Google may release a $99 version of the tablet by the end of 2012.
Google is making a bigger push into the retail market by opening brick-and-mortar retail stores by the end of 2013, reports PC World.
The news was first published by 9to5Google, which cited an "extremely reliable source" who claims the company wants to get Google Nexus tablets, Chromebooks laptop computers and new upcoming products into the hands of prospective customers.
"Google feels right now that many potential customers need to get hands-on experience with its products before they are willing to purchase," the website reported.
Google competitors Apple and Microsoft have already found success with their retail outlets and Google already sells its Chromebook in many Best Buys, reports MSN Money.
"Google does not have as many products as Apple, but it has enough to justify a physical retail presence,"Greg Sterling, senior analyst with Opus Research told PC World.
The retail outlets could help customers get a better feel for the products and would learn more about them from Google employees than they could online, Sterling said.
That's especially true for a new product like Google's Glass, a pair of augmented reality glasses that are set to debut by 2014.
According to TechRadar, the glasses "might tell you where the nearest decent restaurant is, book your table, invite your friends and show you how to get there, or they might provide work-related information when you're at your desk."