Google Opens First Google Store in London

Google has opened up its first ever Google store inside a London branch of PC World and Currys.

The world already has Microsoft stores and Apple stores, but now it's time to add Google stores to the list. The search giant this past weekend opened its very first retail store. Located inside the PC World and Currys on Tottenham Court road, the Chrome Zone will serve as a space where customers can go to try and buy Chromebook laptops.

When Google launched the first Chromebooks, the computers were only available for purchase online. However, similar to the Nexus One, it seems Google has realised that it will need to stock the Chrome-based notebooks in retail stores if it wants to reach a broad base of consumers. CNet cites one in-store Chrome specialist as saying the store had been 'really busy' since it opened a few days ago.

"We found anecdotally that when people tried the device and played with it, that made a huge difference to their understanding of what the Chromebook is all about." Google's Arvind Desikan told the Evening Standard. "People will be able to go in and have a play with the devices. We want to see whether people understand what this device is all about and monitor their reaction when they try it out."

Google is planning a pop-up Chrome Zone in the Lakeside Curry's/PC World in Essex and has more pilot stores planned for around the world, but the company not mentioned if these plans involve any bigger, stand-alone stores. We can understand Google's reluctance to enter the retail world in a big way -- renting a space, remodelling and hiring staff is definitely costly. It would make sense to stick to the 'shop-within-a-shop' style of retail store, at least for now.

"It is our first foray into physical retail. This is a new channel for us and it's still very, very early days," Desikan said. "It's something Google is going to play with and see where it leads."

Have you visited the Chrome Zone yet?