Google close to picking sites in India for first retail stores outside U.S.

Google is reportedly close to picking out locations for three retail stores in India, their first ones outside the U.S.

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 counts India as a key growth market, where it has committed to investing $10 billion. It currently has only five physical stores, all in the United States, which sell its products such as Pixel phones, watches and earbuds.

It is aiming to mirror a retail approach that helped Apple Inc rake in billions of dollars in the last two decades by showcasing its own products. Apple has 500 plus stores worldwide.

Google is in advanced stages of finalising locations in or around the capital of New Delhi, and the financial capital Mumbai, said three sources, who declined to be named as the process is confidential.

Google declined to comment on the matter.

The first source said the stores are likely to be around 15,000 square feet, and will take at least another six months to open, though the timeline could change.

The IT hub of Bengaluru in south India was also considered, but New Delhi and Mumbai are the frontrunners, the person added.