Cover Google opens its first retail store in New York (Photo: Courtesy of Google)

Here’s a sneak peek at Google’s first-ever physical retail store in New York City

After years of pop-up experiments around the world, tech giant Google is finally opening its first permanent physical store in New York City. The new retail store, which is set to open on June 17 in the Chelsea neighbourhood in New York City, is expected to offer guests an immersive shopping experience, showcasing how the company’s products and services work together seamlessly. 

In addition to showcasing Google’s hardware products, such as Pixel phones, Nest gadgets and Fitbits and giving customers a hands-on experience, the new space will offer support for devices and software, where people can shop online and pick up their orders in-store, too. There will be a selection of branded merchandise like T-shirts, hats and dog toys for sale as well.

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Photo 1 of 7 Photo: Courtesy of Google
Photo 2 of 7 Photo: Courtesy of Google
Photo 3 of 7 Photo: Courtesy of Google
Photo 4 of 7 Photo: Courtesy of Google
Photo 5 of 7 Photo: Courtesy of Google
Photo 6 of 7 Photo: Courtesy of Google
Photo 7 of 7 Photo: Courtesy of Google

“We wanted our first store to reflect the same approach we take to designing our products: making sure they’re always helpful to people,” said Ivy Ross, Google’s Vice President, Design for Hardware Products; and Nathan Allen, Google’s Head of Store Design & Special Projects in a press release. “The result is a space we believe is warm and inviting, while providing new ways to celebrate and experience Google through our phones, displays, speakers, wearables and more.”

Designed with sustainability at the core, the 5,000 sq ft store is envisioned to be a reflection of the brand’s commitment to integrating sustainable materials into its innovative launches. A slew of thoughtful, eco-friendly design elements is incorporated in the space, including the veneer on the walls that made of responsibly sourced hickory, energy-efficient light fixtures, as well as custom cork and wood furniture.

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Near the main entrance is a 17-foot-tall circular glass structure that has been dubbed the Google Imagination Space, which boasts custom interactive screens featuring rotating exhibits for visitors to discover the best of the company’s latest products and technologies. The first experience that the company is offering, revolves around Google Translate, where visitors can interact with the screens and experience real-time translation of their speeches into 24 languages.