First-Ever Google-Branded Shop Opens in London

Tech giant Google has recently unveiled its first-ever branded shop in London.

By Ioana Neamt, Associate Editor

London—Tech giant Google has recently unveiled its first-ever branded shop in London. A “store within a store,” London’s new Google Shop will be located inside Currys PC World at 145-149 Tottenham Court Road, an area well-known for its high concentration of consumer electronics shops.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch this space–the first of its kind anywhere in the world—in London with Currys PC World,” said James Elias, UK marketing director for Google. “With the Google shop, we want to offer people a place where they can play, experiment and learn about all of what Google has to offer; from an incredible range of devices to a totally-connected, seamless online life.”

Google’s first global shop offers visitors the chance to try out the company’s range of Android smartphones and tablets, Chromebook laptops, and learn about how all of their devices work together. Clients will also get to experience “Portal,” an immersive surround screen that allows users to “fly” anywhere in the world with the help of Google Earth; a Doodle Wall where graffiti artists can use digital spray cans to paint their own vision of Google’s logo; and a Chromecast Pod where customers can enjoy Google Play Movies, YouTube and more.

Google’s new shop in central London plans to host regular classes and events for the public, where clients can learn about online security and how different devices work. Additionally, “Virtual Space Camps” will be organized to teach children the basics of coding. The store incorporates a playful, colorful design throughout, and features a showcase for rotating digital art installations visible from the sidewalk.

The Mountain View, California-based tech company intends to open two more shops in London in 2015, at Currys PC World Fulham and Thurrock Megastore in Essex.