Why does Google not have a physical "storefront" for Nexus devices?

[anon(590893)]

The one thing for me about the Nexus lineup is that the unlocked Nexus phones don't have a physical "storefront" where they can be tried out and purchased. Google has already done it for the Nexus 7 (via retail partners), so I can only imagine that it's possible to do that for the Nexus 4 (more than possible for the Nexus 10). Anyone else have an opinion on being able to purchase an unlocked Nexus phone "offline"?

 

[jd914]

Unlike tablets, unlocked phones aren't sold in major retail outlets. Besides T-Mobile I can't see any retail store where you could buy a Nexus 4. Anyway, the fact that it's a Nexus device is good enough for me. I don't have to physically try it out or feel it to know I'm going to be happy with it but thats just me.

 

[Ziptied]

It would cost more, like if best buy sold it the price would go up due to them getting a cut of profits.

 

[Andrew Martonik]

It'd just increase the cost of the device because the store's cost would be internalized to the phone. I agree it'd be nice if Google partnered with some retailers to sell, but having the Play Store option is the next best thing. It's just not in Google's business model to be building physical stores and having a retail presence.

 

[anon(590893)]

I agree it'd be nice if Google partnered with some retailers to sell, but having the Play Store option is the next best thing. It's just not in Google's business model to be building physical stores and having a retail presence.

I do agree with that stance. The good news is that apparently the Nexus 4 will sold at T-Mo (which should be the same as the Play Store), so I could always waltz in there before purchasing on the Play Store (did the exact same thing with the GN2, except only because my carrier won't have it until the 9th.)

 

[anon(847090)]

google has a chrome retail store in london but not sure if it still exist. Google opens a 'Chrome Zone' shop in London | ZDNet
also not sure if they have a store in other locations and if they sell Nexus devices

like many said above it would drive the cost up. Google=Online

 

[bunique4life05]

The nexus line and chromobooks do not have a demand high enough to warrant a store unfortunately at this time. Nexus name has not establish itself with the masses.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[paul-c]

Google isn't really interested in the overhead it takes to open brick and mortar stores. Much easier to keep it online. I guess they figure you can go into a T-Mobile store to get a Nexus 4 if you really want to.

Sent from my Panasonic ELUGA

 

[TheUI]

I know this isn't a direct answer to your question, but in the mean time I would suggest heading down to Sprint or AT&T in order to get your hands on the kind of hardware we're expecting for the Nexus 4, especially that best in class display. As for the tablets, a few Wal-Marts in my area actually had the N7 on display, and I can hope that soon the Nexus 10 will be sitting beside it.

 

[gollum18]

Word of mouth spreads faster than an online storefront ever could

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

 

[magesh_magi1]

I totally agree, if Google is pricing the mobile at competitive price they should go the extra mile by having a store front. Users need to know some quality phone branded as Google is available the area. Not everyone sees internet but people see stores. Google should market aggressively to make sure their flagship product reaches not only developers but also the users.

 

[hectorbribiesca]

if im not mistaking, Google is just starting to mainstream its nexus devices to the public and not just geeks but to ordinary users as well, by putting NEXUS across all the devices! There's a reason why Google is not using a SD card and making its OS friendlier to your not so tech savvy user! by simplifying its stock android it will attract more android users to the nexus line! IMO

 

[LoSes]

I totally agree, if Google is pricing the mobile at competitive price they should go the extra mile by having a store front. Users need to know some quality phone branded as Google is available the area. Not everyone sees internet but people see stores. Google should market aggressively to make sure their flagship product reaches not only developers but also the users.

I think that competitive price precludes them from having a store front. I also don't think they even plan on selling the kind of volume that would even make the expense worthwhile. I will admit that I wish there was the ability to take a damaged Nexus device and have it quickly exchanged for a new one a'la Apple.

 

[TheUI]

if im not mistaking, Google is just starting to mainstream its nexus devices to the public and not just geeks but to ordinary users as well, by putting NEXUS across all the devices! There's a reason why Google is not using a SD card and making its OS friendlier to your not so tech savvy user! by simplifying its stock android it will attract more android users to the nexus line! IMO

Ah, you have to love the flexibility of Android. You can make it easy enough for newbs, yet robust enough for geeks.

 

[gregmcph]

Do the odd "Flash Store", which Samsung has done a bit of, and Microsoft did with the Surface... open a store for just a couple of days to generate a bit of buzz.

A permanent Google Store? I'd imagine walking in there and asking the staff lots of questions. "Where did I park my car?"

 

[jeandyangrand]

It would be nice but stores /partners would want profit which would make the phone cost more. So why not just pop into a T-Mobile store and try it out before purchasing.

 

[magesh_magi1]

Ha ha. Now I can understand why Google is hesitant about opening stores.
Imagine a shop with Google logo in a prime shopping area. Wouldn't that be an Ad..You know Google need some advertisement

Do the odd "Flash Store", which Samsung has done a bit of, and Microsoft did with the Surface... open a store for just a couple of days to generate a bit of buzz.

A permanent Google Store? I'd imagine walking in there and asking the staff lots of questions. "Where did I park my car?"

 

[ramonm2]

So if they did have a store would it be called Google Store, Google Play Store, Play Store, Googles R US, G-Mart, Android Market?

Also I like the idea of Google selling devices to customers. Imagine for instance sorta like Best Buy or Radio Shack. Their employees sell all four major carriers. I can see this working if more companies do what Samsung did. Make one phone and make it available to all carriers. You just show up select a phone/tablet, select a carrier. E-Z P-Z.

 

[quamdar]

Can't imagine them making a store but I'd think having a few kiosks in key markets would be advantageous. At their prices Nexus/Chromebook is practically an impulse buy and would help move Nexus away from being a tech nerd only brand.

 

[pauldroidr2d2]

If Google were to open retail locations they would need to charge Apple like prices.



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