Google planned first flagship store for Chicago

Google is reportedly planning to open its first permanent retail store, in a trendy Chicago neighbourhood.

According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, a two-storey Google flagship store will open in the Fulton Market area, known locally as the meatpacking district.

Google declined to confirm the report. “We don’t comment on rumor or speculation,” spokeswoman Kayla Conti said.

But citing reliable sources, the Chicago Tribune said the lease is close to being finalised. The store will take up 14,000sqft and will be used to showcase the online company’s growing array of gadgets, including its smartphones, tablets, home security systems and Google Home, which is its answer to Amazon’s Echo.

The store will be located in historic low-rise brick buildings on W. Randolph Street.

Until now, Google’s brick-and-mortar foray has been limited to pop-up stores and concessions.