In a move that would help Google (GOOG) continue its push beyond the Internet and into the realm of consumer electronics, the company reportedly plans to open its own retail stores ahead of the holidays this year. 9to5Google says a single “extremely reliable source” confirmed that Google will open stores in several major metropolitan areas across the United States. The stores will reportedly be used to showcase and sell the company’s Nexus-brand devices as well as computers running Chrome OS. The stores may also be a perfect place to show off Motorola’s upcoming “X Phone.” Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Zach Epstein has worked in and around ICT for more than 15 years, first in marketing and business development with two private telcos, then as a writer and editor covering business news, consumer electronics and telecommunications. Zach’s work has been quoted by countless top news publications in the US and around the world. He was also recently named one of the world's top-10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes, as well as one of Inc. Magazine's top-30 Internet of Things experts.