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Like Apple, Google Plans to Set up Retail Stores in India

by VARINDIA 2025-02-21

As Google prepares to launch its own brick-and-mortar stores in India, following Apple’s retail expansion, it underscores the increasing interest of global tech giants in tapping into the country’s booming smartphone market and enhancing their brand presence.

Indians might see Google’s retail stores open soon in or around New Delhi and Mumbai as the company is in advanced stages to finalise store locations in these cities. According to closed sources, Bengaluru is also one of the considered locations. The stores, which will span an area of 15,000 sq ft, are likely to open in six months. These will be Google's first such outlets outside the US.

Apple made a landmark entry into India’s offline retail sector with the launch of its flagship stores in Mumbai and Delhi, marking a strategic shift in how premium smartphone brands engage with Indian consumers. The Apple Store openings were met with overwhelming enthusiasm, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to expanding beyond online and third-party retail channels.

Also Read: Apple plans to bring more flagship stores to India

Taking a cue from Apple’s success, Google’s retail expansion in India is expected to follow a similar trajectory, enhancing the visibility of Pixel smartphones, Nest devices, Chromebooks, and other hardware. While Google’s primary sales channels have been online platforms like Flipkart, Amazon, and partner retailers, dedicated Google retail stores could help bridge the gap between consumers and the brand’s growing hardware ecosystem.

Why India’s Tech Market is the Next Big Opportunity

India, the world’s second-largest smartphone market, presents an attractive opportunity for global brands. The country’s premium smartphone segment has witnessed robust growth, fueled by increasing disposable income, a tech-savvy population, and growing aspirations for high-end devices. The success of Apple Stores in India has demonstrated the potential of offline retail expansion in enhancing customer engagement and boosting brand loyalty.

The entry of Google’s retail stores will add another dimension to India’s smartphone landscape. By offering hands-on experiences, better service, and direct interaction with customers, Google can position its Pixel lineup as a strong competitor to Apple and Samsung in the premium segment. Additionally, Google’s retail expansion could support its broader ambitions in AI-driven devices, smart home solutions, and cloud services.

According to the report, Google sees India as a key growth market and has pledged a USD10 billion investment in the country. Currently, the company operates only five physical stores, all in the United States, where it sells products like Pixel phones, smartwatches and earbuds. With Apple already setting the benchmark, Google’s move could trigger a trend where more global tech giants enter the physical retail space in India. The expansion of flagship stores by premium smartphone brands reflects a shift in consumer behavior, where experiential retail is becoming as important as online convenience.

As Google prepares to set up its retail stores in India, the tech industry eagerly awaits how this development will reshape competition in India’s dynamic tech market. If executed well, it could mark the beginning of a new era in how consumers interact with global technology brands.