Google Abandons Plan to Open Retail Store in New York City

Google has abandoned plans to open its first-ever retail store in New York City. The company is trying to sublease a 5,442-square-foot SoHo space it leased last year, and wants $2.25 million annually in rent for it, according to sources. The decision to abandon its retail store came after the internet giant spent $6 million renovating the 131 Greene St. location. The outpost was supposed to be one of Google's first stand-alone stores in the U.S., putting it in direct competition with Apple, which has a host of brick-and-mortar shops that showcase and sell its products, as well as other tech firms with a retail presence.