I don't know if Google is serious about stores, but the one in Chelsea in NYC is in an extremely high foot traffic location (right across the street from Chelse

I don't know if Google is serious about stores, but the one in Chelsea in NYC is in an extremely high foot traffic location (right across the street from Chelsea Market), in a building they already own. And Google NYC is way bigger than Google Austin. I don't think starting there rather than Austin shows they aren't serious. Also, FWIW, the store is pretty nice! Has a much warmer feel than an Apple store.