Google has confirmed that it will open its first physical store outside the United States in Tokyo in 2026. The location will be situated in a luxury area, near the Apple store. The decision is driven by the fact that Japan is the only large market where Pixel phones outsell Samsung phones. The store will offer products, repairs, and artificial intelligence demonstrations. With this, Google aims to enhance its brand presence and provide closer technical service.
Pixel as a flagship in the Japanese market 🗾
Google's strategy in Japan is backed by concrete data: according to IDC, in 2024 Pixel captured 12% of the local market compared to Samsung's 10%. The Tokyo store will not only sell devices but will also integrate a certified repair workshop and interactive zones to test AI features, such as the magic photo editor or real-time transcription. This approach aims to consolidate the Pixel as a premium device, directly competing with the iPhone in the high-end segment.
Meanwhile, in Spain we still have no official store 🇪🇸
While Google sets up its luxury store in Tokyo, Spanish users are still waiting for an official store like water in the desert. Here, if your Pixel breaks down, you have to pray that the local technical service has parts. Or worse, make the trip to Japan with the excuse of seeing the cherry blossoms and, in passing, fixing your phone. At least, you'll be able to boast about having visited the Google store before anyone else.