Google To Launch Direct Sales and Physical Stores in India

Alphabet Inc.’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google has joined Apple in enabling direct hardware sales in India. On May 28, the company began direct sale of Pixel Phones, watches, and earbuds in India ahead of an official launch in physical stores. Over the years, the company has sold its products through authorized retailers and e-commerce platform Flipkart.

Media reports indicate the search giant is exploring various locations where it plans to set up its first physical stores outside the US. By setting up physical stores in India, Google is following in Apple's footsteps, targeting billions of dollars in hardware sales. Physical stores will allow the company to showcase its products and directly interact with customers.

The company has already started manufacturing the Pixel smartphones, which cost between $360 and $1,900 in India.  Manufacturing in India underscores Google’s increased focus on the Indian market as it looks to unlock new revenue opportunities. However, the company will have to take on Apple, which dominates India’s premium smartphone market with about 55% of the market share.

While Google’s Pixel smartphone accounts for a 2% market share, there is room for growth, given that India is one of the fastest-growing markets with over 700 million smartphone users.

Alphabet Inc. is a technology company that manages a diverse portfolio of businesses. It's the parent company of Google, which includes well-known products like the Google search engine, YouTube, and Android.

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