Made by Google announced that its first physical store would open soon. Google’s hardware division has dabbled in retail with pop-ups for…
On Thursday, Made by Google announced that its first physical store would open this summer. Google’s hardware division has dabbled in retail with pop-ups for the past several years, but this is the most significant investment yet. This history surprisingly — or unsurprisingly — starts with Glass. Google wanted to create a floating showroom for its smart glasses that would sail from city-to-city. The barges were referred to as an “ unprecedented artistic structure ” complete with gigantic sails. Google’s only comment in 2013 was that they were an “interactive space where people can learn about new technology.” Like Glass, these barges were canceled, but not before details emerged like how the first three floors would be a showroom, while the top one would be a party deck. It truly reflected Google’s oversized ambition for Glass. Meanwhile, the company in 2015 was rumored to be working on a retail space in New York City. Google went as far as reportedly spending $6 million on renovating a space that it eventually halted and subleased. As far as its renovations go, Google redesigned the layout of the building and gave it a sunken area in the rear, giving the effect of higher ceilings.
