Until now, whenever you visit Google's online store in India, you can compare different models but cannot make purchases directly. Google only displays a "Find Retailers" section on each device page. This is expected to change from next week onwards. An anonymous source, due to the sensitivity of the release, mentioned May 26 as the potential launch date. However, this date could be adjusted based on various factors.
With the launch of this store, Google will finally be on par with its biggest competitor in India's premium smartphone market - Apple. Apple has already opened two official stores in India and plans to expand to six by the end of this year. Multiple reports earlier this year suggested that Google might also open physical stores in India, but there has been no significant progress in this area yet. In fact, Apple has significantly boosted its sales since launching its online store in India several years ago.
Users will be able to browse and purchase the complete Pixel product lineup, including smartphones and smartwatches. Additionally, Fitbit devices will be available for sale, and Google's Nest smart home products will also be introduced. However, the 'Nest' series may initially offer a limited selection, expanding later this year.
This decision to sell devices directly could considerably impact Tata-owned 'Croma', Walmart's Indian e-commerce platform 'Flipkart', and Reliance Digital. These three are currently listed as authorized retailers on Google's website, with Croma and Reliance Digital also offering offline sales. Google previously had an exclusive online sales partnership with Flipkart, which has now expanded to include other companies.
It remains unclear whether Google will continue listing other retailers on their platform after beginning direct sales. However, if we take Apple as a reference, changes in this regard are anticipated.
