Google Store Launched By Online Search Giant

The Google Store was launched by the online search giant recently to provide customers the opportunity to buy the physical products of the company. Google announced the launch of its new website, which will offer the Chromebook laptops, Nexus smartphones and tablets, and Chromecast streaming devices, among others.

The website will also offer other devices, such as Nest, which was acquired by the company last year. Unveiling the new website allows the company to separate hardware sales from software sales. Software is still available through its Google Play store, which offers mobile applications, music and movies.

The launch of the Google Store is similar to the approach of Apple to business. Apple has maintained separate websites in selling hardware and software. The App Store and iTunes music store sell movies, music and apps while the Apple website sells the Macs, iPhones and iPads of the company. However, this business strategy is not shared by all companies since Amazon uses a single storefront in selling both media and hardware.

In addition to this business strategy, Google appears to imitate other methods used by Apple. The online search giant also launched a new retail store within another store. The new store sells devices while offering learning sessions for customer to teach them how these products are used. Apple currently has numerous brick-and-mortar stores around the world.

Google Store Launched - image credit: mashable.com

Google already attempted to sell hardware directly to consumers in 2010 when it unveiled an online store offering its first Nexus phone. Sales of the device were later left to other retailers. The company later started to offer the devices through the Play Store, but has not made a dedicated storefront selling its hardware, until now.

With an increasing number of devices, Google is aiming to boost sales by providing consumers another channel where they can purchase these devices. Google revealed through a blog post that with the addition of more products to its line of devices, it was timely to make it easy for consumers to learn about them.

The launch of the Google Store was also timed with the release of the Chromebook Pixel laptop, which is set to become available through the online store. Aside from devices, the online store also offers accessories such as phone cases and chargers.

The order information of recent customers of the Google Play Store will be automatically transferred into the new online store. Free shipping will also be offered for a limited period at the Google Store.

Posted by George Daniels on Thursday March 12 2015, 7:59 PM EST. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Technology. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0