Apple and Google are two of the biggest tech companies in the world, and they’ve got a lot in common. One notable difference between them, though, is that Apple is known for its retail stores that it uses to put its products in front of consumers. Google has never had any such stores, but now that’s changing.
Google recently opened its own branded store inside a Currys PC World in London. Called “The Google Shop,” the store is going to sell Android phones and tablets, Chromebooks, and Chromecasts. It’ll also offer tutorials to teach consumers how to use its devices and apps, lessons about online security, classes to teach children coding basics, and events that’ll let teachers try out educational tools.
James Elias, Google’s U.K. marketing director, described the store as a “unique try-before-you-buy experience.”
Google plans to launch two more The Google Shops in Currys PC World locations in Fulham, west London, and Thurrock, Essex.
While not a straight-up, standalone store, this Google shop is the company’s first branded space in which it’ll offer its full range of products. That’s important because it gives consumers a chance to actually get their hands on Google hardware, which can help them to form a real connection and interest in the products that’s not possible when you’re just looking at a product online.