“Google” is no longer a term for a mere search engine–it’s a brand extending beyond software and free e-mail accounts. As the brand grows, so does the business model.
Many sources (such as this one and this one) agree that consumers may see Google brick and mortar stores before the 2013 holiday season. Why?
Here’s five reasons…
1. Google Glass
Have you ever bought a pair of glasses without trying them on first? Probably not (though that trend might change).
Even if you did purchase glasses online, if they ended up costing upwards of $600 a pair, you might want to try before you buy.
Google Glass, currently in prototype, will soon make its appearance on the street, and Google wants you to put them on and fall in love with them–something that can only be done in a brick and mortar Google store.
2. Chromebooks
For the same reason consumers head to the Apple store to try out the iPad or newest iPhone, Chromebooks will need some hands on experience to achieve any market dominance.
3. Nexus and Motorola Gadgets
With the acquisition of Nexus as well as Motorola Mobility, Google’s hardware list continues to grow substantially.
4. Driverless Cars
No matter how hi-tech our culture grows to be, we’ll still need salespeople.
While you’re tapping away on that Chromebook, wearing the Google Glass device or learning about the newest smartphones, you just might have a few questions about those text-safely-while-the-car-does-the-driving automobiles. While Google says they’ll be ready in 3-5 years, regulators might be a bit slower on the uptake.
5. Google Needs a Face
In a recent , Apple CEO Tim Cook said that “there’s no better place to discover, explore and learn about our products than in retail.” The same holds true for Google.
Additionally, Cook noted that “the average store last year was over 50 million in revenue.” Perhaps opening Google brick and mortar stores is really about money?
Think so?
