Is Google opening its online store in India?

Though there are no immediate plans for Google to open any e-commerce play in India (amidst rumours that it would open before Diwali), the company is planning an indirect online storefront for all its branded hardware products including smartphone, Google Home smart speakers and virtual reality gears. Google is seen shortlisting partners to operate and manage fulfilment.

The company is in talks with several third-party partners including Ingram Micro to operate and manage fulfilment components.

Currently, Google operates store.google.com in India that enables users to locate offline and online platforms to buy its products. However, starting November this year, users can buy through authorised partners.

Reports have been doing the rounds since the beginning of this year that Google is looking to have its e-commerce play. However, there is no update on its horizontal e-commerce play in India.

The Sundar Pichai-led company’s interest in Indian online commerce said to have driven by its $550 million investment in China’s second-largest Internet retailer JD.com.

Last year, Google entered digital payments space with UPI-powered app Google Pay (previously Tez). Besides, it also invested in startups including fashion-focused e-commerce marketplace – Fynd and concierge service dunzo. Google also had launched food delivery app Areo. Accelerating its Next Billion Users program, Google had launched Datally, a mobile data manager that will help you monitor, save, and gain control of your data in India.