Pixel fans in India can now buy devices directly from online Google Store
The online Google Store offers multiple payment options, including UPI and features no-cost EMIs, exchange bonuses, and store credits to enhance the shopping experience.
Android and Google enthusiasts in India have reason to celebrate, as the tech giant on Thursday opened direct sales on its online Google Store, making Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds available for purchase.
“Starting today, people across India can buy their favourite Pixel products directly from the official online Google Store in India. This launch complements our existing online and offline partner channels,” Mitul Shah, Managing Director, Devices and Services, Google India, said in a blog post.
Previously, consumers could browse and compare Google devices on the online Google Store, but purchases had to be made through ecommerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon, or via online and offline channels of retail partners such as Croma and Reliance Digital.
Google’s rival Apple launched its online store in India in September 2020, providing customers with direct access to its full range of products and support nationwide. Earlier this year, it followed up with the Apple Store app, offering a more personalised shopping experience for its lineup of products and services.
Shah, who joined late last year to spearhead Pixel’s sales and expansion in India, brings over nine years of experience from a range of roles at Apple.
In his post, he highlighted that the direct-to-consumer expansion on the Google Store represents a “cornerstone of Pixel’s strategy in India”.
On the online Google Store, customers can choose from multiple payment options, including UPI, and access a range of offers and discounts. These include no-cost EMIs available through HDFC Bank and over 15 other select banks, as well as instant cashback on EMI payments made with select HDFC Bank credit cards.
Additionally, customers can benefit from an exchange bonus by trading in their old smartphones, with existing Pixel users eligible for extra offers when upgrading through the exchange programme. Store credits will also be available, allowing customers to apply them toward future purchases on the Google Store.
Google has steadily expanded access to its growing range of devices across India. Pixel devices are now available through over 25 large-format retail and mobile wireless partners, including Vijay Sales, Bajaj Electronics, Poorvika, and Sangeetha, as well as various multi-brand retail outlets, according to Shah.
Supporting the growing Pixel community with robust customer service remains a top priority for the California-based tech giant.
“Across several service centres that offer post-purchase support, we have expanded our same-day repair capabilities with 20 service centres in India, including our three existing Google Exclusive Service Centres. Today, 7 out of 10 phones are repaired on the same day,” Shah pointed out.
He added that with the launch of the Google Store, users can now easily initiate repair requests and schedule pickups directly through the website.
Although Google has not made an official announcement, a Reuters report noted that the company is close to finalising locations for its first physical retail stores in India—its key market outside the US. New Delhi and Mumbai are the leading contenders, with Bengaluru also under consideration.
Apple launched its first two stores in India in April 2023, located in Delhi and Mumbai. The iPhone maker plans to expand further with four additional stores in Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai.
Edited by Suman Singh