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Google bets big on India with launch of first D2C Pixel store outside US
This marks a significant evolution in Google’s India playbook, transitioning from a reliance on third-party platforms like Flipkart and Croma to now owning the entire purchase journey, from discovery to doorstep delivery.
Despite a modest 1% share in India’s premium smartphone market, Google has steadily built mindshare through design-led hardware and software integration, especially with AI-powered experiences across its Pixel phones, watches and earbuds.
Google has launched its first-ever direct-to-consumer online Pixel Store outside the US, signalling a deeper push into the country’s premium smartphone market and digital retail ecosystem. This marks a significant evolution in Google’s India playbook, transitioning from a reliance on third-party platforms like Flipkart and Croma to now owning the entire purchase journey, from discovery to doorstep delivery.
“It's not just a sales channel,” said Mitul Shah, managing director, Devices and Services, Google India. “What we’ve built is a full-stack capability tailored to the Indian user payments, logistics, after-sales and more.”
Google has integrated UPI payments alongside no-cost EMI options with over 15 banking partners to cater to Indian buying patterns. Consumers can also trade in old devices via a tie-up with Cashify, and get their products delivered within 48 hours through a partnership with Blue Dart.
Notedly, the site also supports end-to-end service capabilities including online repair bookings and device pick-ups, a first for Google in international markets.
Online first, Physical stores next?
While the online store is a major milestone, it could also be a precursor to Google-branded physical retail outlets in India. The move mirrors Apple’s successful strategy of launching an online store in 2020 and opening its first physical stores in 2023 in Mumbai and Delhi.
With Apple planning to expand its retail footprint to four more locations, Google’s D2C efforts appear to be part of a catch-up and compete strategy in India’s fast-growing premium smartphone category.
Despite a modest 1% share in India’s premium smartphone market, Google has steadily built mindshare through design-led hardware and software integration, especially with AI-powered experiences across its Pixel phones, watches and earbuds. The new online store offers the full Pixel lineup, from the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro Fold to Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2, and complements Google’s existing omnichannel presence across 2,000 partner stores.
The launch also aligns with Google’s recent pivot toward local manufacturing in India, a move that aims to address supply constraints, reduce costs, and potentially qualify for government incentives under the PLI scheme. “India is the second-largest smartphone market globally, but more importantly, it's the most dynamic,” said a senior tech analyst. “Google knows it can’t win this market with a hands-off approach anymore.”
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