Report: Google abandons its retail plans as it looks to sublease SoHo building it renovated

Google has long been rumored to be planning to open a New York City retail space, but now it looks as if that plan has died off. According to a report from Crain’s New York Business, Google has abandoned its plans to open a retail store in New York City. The company is looking to sublease a 5,442-square-foot space it leased in SoHo last year.

Google is looking to sublease the place for $2.25 million, but according to the report, the company has already invested $6 million in renovating the building. Google was planning to launch its first ever retail space in the building, but it’s unclear why the company abandoned those plans. Google was aiming to compete more directly with Apple and use the store to sell its Chromebook and Nexus devices.

As far as its renovations go, Google redesigned the layout of the building and gave it a sunken area in the rear, giving the effect of higher ceilings. The company exposed the brick walls, columns, and steel beams, as well, and eliminated a concrete step that led into the building.

The location of the building, 131 Greene St., is prime real estate. The area has recently been revitalized thanks to the openings of new, hip retail locations by companies like Sonos.

At this point, it’s unclear if Google still has any interest in opening retail stores, but for the time being, it looks as if those plans have been shut down.