Andy Rubin from Google doesn’t think Google should open its own retail stores, even though its a market that has proven successful for both Apple and Microsoft. While rumours of Google opening retail outlets surfaced only last week, Rubin has been quick to dismiss the idea that Google is planning to launch any kind of retail unit in the US, stating that google simply doesn’t need one.
This is an interesting move, and personally I was quite keen on the prospect of a Google store, Android is a big part of the market, and there are many great devices from third parties and Google them selves that could benefit from a dedicated, knowledgable and accessible retail outlet where customers could get hands on with a range of devices from the provider.
While speaking with reporters Rubin said “Google has no plans and we have nothing to announce.” Said Mr Rubin while speaking with reporters this week.
He went on to explain how he thinks that online is the best way to go for selling their devices and services and that consumers can get informed through reviews and grapevine. Which is all good and well as we here at eTeknix understand how this principle works as we review consumer devices ourselves, but when it comes down to it there are other benefits that you just can’t get online. Being able to walk into a store and physically pick up a device and speak face to face with the people that created that device can be very helpful, not only for public relations, but also general customer service and brand awareness.
Google doesn’t have a lot of device of its own to put to market, sure they have the Chromebooks and Nexus, but the mass bulk of Google powered devices are from other manufacturers and for the time being any Google store would likely resemble any other phone shop, but its having that boots on the ground philosophy and a place to bring products to street level that can really make a difference, at least in my opinion.
Its not unheard of for a company to dismiss and idea only to announce it weeks later and I’m sure this rumour isn’t going to go away over night, which leaves me with one questions, would you like to see a Google store on your high street, or do you just not care?
