Google Blinks

Just when you thought Google could overturn all business models and tear down any bureaucracy using technology reality stepped in.

Many felt Google's online sales efforts could shift the mobile device purchasing habits of many to "online" sales which largely ignores a few simply facts: 1) We are human beings and we ENJOY shopping in person for some goods (particularly confusing consumer electronics) and 2) existing sales and distributions infrastructures are in place for a reason.

This is simply one more example of the extensive reach and power of "bricks and mortar". If you are a carrier or manufacturer do NOT doubt the importance of your physical and geographic connection to your customers.

This is not 1999. In the 2010's brick and mortar sales channels will reestablish themselves as a most enviable business model. Online sales will remain supplemental in many non-commoditized markets. And if bricks and mortar is not going away (as was once feared) what is the modern retailer / carrier doing to embrace their customer? Google only attempted this mutiny due to a perceived pain in the marketplace. The pain is real. Google simply had the wrong answer.