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 has already started manufacturing Pixel devices in India, a move that aligns with the country’s “Make in India” initiative and allows the company to reduce costs and

The company currently has five retail stores, all in the US, which sell its products such as Pixel phones, watches and earbuds.

Currently, Google sells its products through authorized retailers in India, much like Apple did until 2023 when it opened its first company-run stores in Mumbai and New Delhi. In 2024, Apple ruled India's premium phone market, above $520, with a 55% share. Google's Pixel, on the other hand, had a 2% share.

Indians might see Google’s retail stores open soon in New Delhi and Mumbai as the company is in advanced stages to finalise store locations

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.

Currently, the search engine giant only has 5 physical stores and all of them are located in the United States. Google sells its products such as Pixel phones, watches and earbuds, at these stores. Google’s idea is to compete with Apple,