Google’s Nexus 7 Tablet Headed to Retail Shelves

When Google announced its Nexus 7 tablet on Wednesday, the company focused on the fact that it would be available directly from the Google Play Web site.

However, sources close to both companies indicated that there was a retail strategy for the devices, as well. That’s starting to come into focus, with GameStop announcing on Friday that it has started taking preorders for the 16 gigabyte version of the Asus-made device, which costs $249.

The device is due to be available from GameStop in mid-July, the same time frame given by Google for Web orders.

Expect other retailers to announce their plans to carry the Nexus 7 in the coming weeks, sources say.