Google Stores Rumors: Sources Say Search Giant Will Open Retail Stores in 2013

Sources say Google is planning to open real-world retail stores in the United States sometime before the end of the year.

"An extremely reliable source has confirmed to us that Google is in the process of building stand-alone retail stores in the U.S. and hopes to have the first flagship Google Stores open for the holidays in major metropolitan areas," says 9to5Google.

If true, the retail stores will allow consumers to try out Google's growing number of hardware devices before buying them. Currently, consumers must usually order Google products like the Nexus 7 tablet and the Chromebook web-based laptop from the Google website.

"The decision to open stores, I'm told, came when drawing up plans to take the Google Glass to the public. The leadership thought consumers would need to try Google Glass first hand to make a purchase. Without being able to use them first hand, few non-techies would be interested in buying Google's glasses (which will retail from between $500 to $1,000). From there, the decision to sell other Google-branded products made sense," writes 9to5Google.

"Along with Glass, Google will have an opportunity to demonstrate other upcoming and Google X projects like driverless cars and mini-drone delivery systems at its stores."

Apple pioneered the retail concept when it opened Apple stores, which are now an integral part of the company's marketing and culture.

Microsoft also introduced retail stores, allowing it to showcase new products like it Surface Pro laptop hybrid.

Of course, the infrastructure provided by retail stores dotting the country might allow Google to expand its reach in other areas, like offering broadband internet service (currently being pioneered in Kansas City), free wifi (offered in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City) or driverless car and Google Street View vehicle fleet storage. The stores could also act as distribution hubs for Google products, allowing quick delivery of products ordered online. Time will tell.