• Google is finalizing locations for its first retail stores outside the U.S. in India.
• The company aims to replicate Apple's successful retail strategy to boost sales of its Pixel products.
• Proposed store locations include New Delhi and Mumbai, covering around 15,000 square feet each.
• The launch, expected within six months, requires navigating regulatory processes.
• With growing competition, Google seeks to capture a share of India's premium smartphone market.

Alphabet Inc.'s Google is moving closer to finalizing locations for its inaugural physical retail stores in India, which mark the company's first such venture outside the United States. This decision comes as Google aims to strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing Indian market—a key focus area where it has committed a significant investment of USD 10 billion—a source said, as reported by Channel News Asia.

Currently, Google operates only five retail stores in the U.S. focusing on selling products like Pixel phones, smartwatches, and earbuds. The company seeks to mirror the successful retail strategy employed by Apple, which boasts over 500 physical stores worldwide, to display its products effectively and enhance consumer engagement.

Sources indicate that Google is in advanced stages of selecting store locations primarily in New Delhi and Mumbai, with individual stores sized at approximately 15,000 square feet. The opening timeline is projected to be at least six months, subject to compliance with standard regulatory requirements, according to reports from various outlets including India Times and South China Morning Post.

Competition has intensified, particularly in the premium smartphone segment, where Google currently holds a mere 2 percent market share compared to Apple's approximately 55 percent. The Indian smartphone market includes around 712 million users, a vital consumer base for both companies.

As Google's plans evolve, the company also faces regulatory hurdles, including ongoing antitrust investigations related to its billing practices and market position in different product categories.
The potential locations for the stores include Gurugram, a tech hub home to many international companies and retail operations.