Google Testing Bricks-and-Mortar?

Google seems to be following in the footsteps of Apple and Microsoft in pursuing a bricks-and-mortar retailing strategy. This week the world's most popular search engine opened a pop-up store in London, reports the London Evening Standard. The store will remain open for three months and will sell primarily Google's Chromebook laptops and accessories.

If the venture proves successful, however, Google might look into opening permanent stores.

Arvind Desikan, head of consumer marketing at Google UK, said: "It is our first foray into physical retail. This is a new channel for us and it's still very, very early days. It's something Google is going to play with and see where it leads."