Alphabet Inc's Google is close to deciding on locations in its key market of India where it will open its first physical retail stores outside the United States, three sources familiar with the matter said.

Google will make its first foray into brick-and-mortar retail outside of the US when it opens its first physical shops in India. A recent Reuters story claims that the goal of this calculated action is to increase Google's footprint in one of its fastest-growing areas.

Google is in the final stages to open its first store outside of the US. Gurugram in India is most likely to be the chosen location.

Google Expands Retail Presence to India Google is set to establish its first physical stores outside the United States, with planned locations in New Delhi and Mumbai. This marks a strategic shift as Google aims to strengthen its foothold in India’s growing premium smartphone market,

In 2023, Apple CEO Tim Cook inaugurated the company’s first stores in Mumbai and New Delhi. Google’s expansion into physical retail comes as it faces regulatory and legal scrutiny in India, including antitrust cases related to its in-app billing system and dominance in the smart TV sector, Reuters reported.

Google is reportedly preparing to open its first self-owned retail store outside the US, with India as its chosen market following Apple's retail strategy. However, the company must first meet local sourcing requirements before moving forward.