Google shutters plans for standalone retail store in NYC

After investing over a year of effort and $6 million for renovations, Google appears to have abandoned plans to open their first standalone retail store, which was to be located in New York City. Located at 131 Greene Street in the SoHo district, the location is a 5,442 square foot space that is now being marketed for subleasing for $2.25 million annually.

When word first surfaced regarding Google’s plans to open a retail store, many saw it as part of a strategy to match Apple, and to a lesser extent Microsoft, in having a standalone retail presence. The store reportedly would carry products like Chromebook laptops, Google’s own Nexus line of mobile devices, and other hardware that has typically been sold through the online Google Play Store.

Google has not provided any comment regarding why they are now trying to rent the space and not pursuing their own retail location. However, earlier this year Google opened a “store within a store” in London with plans to open more, albeit limited to the U.K. market. Potentially those have proven successful enough that Google has decided to go that route rather than investing in additional brick-and-mortar locations. Samsung has employed a similar strategy opening Samsung Experience Shops inside of Best Buy stores.

source: Crain’s New York Business
via: The Verge

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