Apple has over 500 retail stores worldwide, but Google is taking a more selective approach, opening physical stores in key locations.
Recently, I attended the grand opening of the company’s sixth location, which is now officially open in Santa Monica at the Third Street Promenade.
“We’ve always wanted to have another way for our customers to engage with our products,” said Michael Camacho, who heads up retail stores for Google.
The store is warm and inviting, reminiscent of home, with a help desk front and center.
“It’s the first thing you see when you come in…so we’re hoping that that is part of why you come to the store,” said Camacho. “I think our team really, they are truly experts. I’m so excited for them to be able to show customers the magic of our devices.”
You can walk in for help or set an appointment. Of course, Pixel phones are the primary sell here. There are also wearables, plus Nest smart home devices, and accessories like cases and watch bands. And if you want to geek out on Google gear, they’ve got you covered there, too.
The store can perform simple repairs on site, like screen replacements. They can also swap out devices.
There’s free Wi-Fi and places to sit, plus artwork that hides a secret.
“So this piece is sort of about movement and how we see things,” explained LA artist Brian Wills.
He created two pieces of artwork for the store from thousands of pieces of three. Be sure to look at them from the front and sides.
“It changes color as you move around it,” said Wills.
Google invited “Pixel superfans” to a grand opening party.
“I mean head to toe. I’ve got the watch. I’ve got the phone. I’ve got the buds. I just live it, breathe it,” said Sarah Cole of Los Angeles.
“I would say that it’s by far the smartest smartphone that you can buy,” said Cory Spencer of Palmdale.
“I’ve used other phones where they kind of required a little more set up to get the good picture. But the Pixel camera is just easy, easy. And I can take good pictures of my kids and so I really appreciate that,” said Mark Moore of Ontario.
The Google Store Santa Monica is now open. It joins locations in Mountainview, New York City, Boston, and Chicago. Next up is Austin.
Apple has over 500 retail stores worldwide, but Google is taking a more selective approach, opening physical stores in key locations. Recently, I attended the grand opening of the company’s sixth location, which is now officially open in Santa Monica at the Third Street Promenade. “We’ve always wanted to have another way for our customers […]
Leave a Reply