Google is following Apple's footsteps in setting up retail stores to show off the company's line of products.

Earlier this week, the search engine giant opened its first "permanent" physical store in New York City.

Key Highlights

• Google's first ever "permanent" retail store opened on 76 Ninth Avenue (New York) on June 17th.
• The store will feature a wide range of Google's products, ranging from its Pixel phones, Fitbit fitness wearables, and Nest line of smart devices. Other merchandise and accessories will also be sold there.
• Google's retail stores will also be the place where customers can have their devices fixed if they encounter any problems.
• On top of being a place to showcase and fix products, the new retail stores will also be a dedicated space for learning workshops.

Why It Matters

• Google is following the footsteps of many other smartphone giants such as Apple, Xiaomi, and Huawei — turning their retail stores into unique "experience" landmarks at high traffic locations.
• This isn't the first physical store Google has opened, as the company has previously opened several pop-up stores selling its hardware products.
• The new stores could also be Google's foray into the retail space, with plans to eventually offer a unique buying/checkout experience much like Amazon Go.
• Analysts believe that Google is expected to open more of such stores in the future.