Why Google Should Open Retail Stores

Last week, 9to5Google reported that it learned from an "extremely reliable source" that Google plans to open retail stores later this year. While Google hasn't confirmed the rumor and, in fact, as recently as December the company insisted that it had no plans to open retail outlets, there are indications, such as the Chrome mini stores that have launched at Best Buy's in the U.S. and Dixon's in the U.K., stand-alone storefronts are the next logical step in its go-to-market strategy.