Coming soon: Explore retail shops through Google Maps

Google has quietly announced that it is going to allow businesses to add location photos to their Place Pages, accessible through search and Google Maps.

Seems like a small thing on the surface, but what it could ultimately result in is easy photo browsing of retail environments from any Internet-connected computer. That could be really powerful, especially for small retailers and those with compelling visual aesthetics.

At the moment, the offering is extremely limited in region, and Google also requires that they send out a photographer — you can't submit your own pics. The word from Google:

Millions of potential customers visit Google every day to learn about places and businesses. Through scheduled photo shoots, Google is introducing a new way for you to showcase your business to the world. Apply now.

Where are photo shoots available?

Google photographers are currently visiting businesses in select cities in the US, Japan, and Australia. Any business can apply for a photo shoot, and demand will help us decide where to send our photographers next.

Retailers, are you applying? What do you hope to get out of it? How big of an impact do you think this will have?