Google will open its first flagship store outside of the United States, named Google Store Omotesando, in Tokyo this summer. The store will offer a variety of products, including Google Pixel smartphones, Google Nest devices, Google Fitbit products, and accessories.
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience Google’s latest AI technologies and see its services in action. The store will also feature staff available for on-site Google Pixel repairs, setup assistance, and troubleshooting, similar to Apple’s Genius Bar. Additionally, there will be workshops held at the store upon its opening.
This expansion marks Google’s first full retail store outside the U.S. Previously, the company operated store-within-a-store setups at Best Buy locations in Canada. Google stated that the decision to open a store in Tokyo reflects its historical connection to Japan, as it was the site of the company’s first international office.
Google’s approach follows that of other tech giants. Microsoft launched its first physical stores in 2009 in conjunction with the release of Windows 7 and planned to open 75 additional stores over the next three years. Microsoft’s retail presence included locations in cities like Sydney and London until most stores closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Microsoft operates only a “Microsoft Experience Center” in New York City and a “Microsoft Visitor Center” in Redmond, Virginia.
