Google to open its first international retail stores in India
What's the story
Google is said to be close to finalizing the locations for its first-ever physical retail stores in India, sources familiar with the matter told ET.
The tech giant considers India as a key growth market and has promised to invest $10 billion in the country.
At present, Google has only five brick-and-mortar stores, all in the US, selling Pixel phones, smartwatches, earbuds, etc.
Retail blueprint
Google's retail strategy mirrors Apple's successful approach
Google's retail strategy in India is inspired by Apple's successful approach, which has generated billions of dollars over the past two decades.
The company is reportedly finalizing locations in or near New Delhi and Mumbai for its first stores. However, Google has not officially commented on these plans.
Each store is expected to span approximately 15,000 square feet and may take at least another six months to open.
Market competition
Google's retail expansion aims to compete with Apple
The tech giant's move to open physical stores in India is part of a strategy to take on Apple, specifically in the luxury segment.
If the first stores do well, more locations will be explored.
Currently, Google sells its products through authorized retailers in India, much like Apple did until 2023 when it opened its first company-run stores in Mumbai and New Delhi.
Market share
Google's market share in India's premium phone segment
In 2024, Apple ruled India's premium phone market, above $520, with a 55% share. Google's Pixel, on the other hand, had a 2% share.
The Indian market is growing fast with approximately 712 million smartphone users today.
Despite several regulatory and legal challenges in India, including ongoing antitrust cases over its in-app billing system and alleged market position abuse in smart TV, Google is sticking to its retail expansion plan.