New trends in software continue to abound in this day and age. One of the latest ones is to open up a physical location for software and technology companies to sell their wares rather than relying on middlemen and retailers. Apple began the trend with the Apple Stores now found in various shopping centers worldwide. They were followed by software giant Microsoft in 2009. Three years later, it is now Google's turn.

Rumors have been circulating that Google has been searching for an appropriate piece of real estate to open its first physical store. However, it will not be in its home state of California. According to the Wall Street Journal blog Digits, the search giant is searching for a retail space in Manhattan. The company has been searching for a retail space in SoHo, specifically Greene Street, according to sources.

Crain's New York Business reported that Google was close to signing a lease on 131 Greene Street, an 8,000 square feet location very close to Apple's store in the neighborhood. Ascot Properties NYC, which owns the building, denies the rumors that the software company is going to lease the location and Google's spokewoman refused to answer questions on the matter, according to Digits.

Google does have some experience with retail locations. In Australia it has "Androidland" stores, according to Mashable. There are also stores in India and Indonesia. In London, "Chromozones" can be found within PC World and Curry's to sell the Chromobook laptop. Yet, the new stores will bring all of Google's products together under one roof. It will be beneficial for the company since new gadgets like Google Glass and Google smartwatch will be hitting the market soon. With physical stores, potential customers will be able to interact with employees and experience the new products as well as the ones already on the market and ask any questions they have.