Meta is launching “Meta Lab @ Best Buy,” a new retail experience in more than 50 stores across the U.S. and Canada starting in June 2026. These 900-square-foot experiential spaces allow customers to demo the full Meta hardware lineup, including AI glasses and Meta Quest 3 and 3S VR headsets, with guidance from dedicated Meta Sales Specialists.
Why Meta is unifying its retail strategy
The new Meta Lab spaces represent a shift toward a more cohesive retail presence. Previously, Meta’s in-store kiosks at Best Buy were fragmented, with some locations focusing exclusively on AI glasses while others handled VR hardware separately. According to Best Buy, the new 900-square-foot footprint brings these technologies together, allowing shoppers to explore Ray-Ban Meta glasses and Quest headsets in one location. This move addresses a practical hurdle for the company: more than 50% of Best Buy customers have indicated they want to see Meta’s AI glasses in person before committing to a purchase.
Meta’s retail expansion is supported by dedicated Meta Sales Specialists at each location. These representatives provide personalized fittings and interactive demonstrations, which the company views as essential for hardware that requires a specific “fit and feel.”
What to expect from the Meta Lab experience
Each Meta Lab location is built for hands-on discovery. The spaces feature interactive displays, smart mirrors, and, most importantly, the ability to try on hardware firsthand. Patrick McGinnis, chief merchandising officer at Best Buy, stated that the Meta Lab @ Best Buy “sets a new standard for how our customers will explore, play with and discover the latest cutting-edge tech.” The rollout begins this summer with initial locations including San Carlos, CA; Roseville, MN; Woodland Park, NJ; Greenville, SC; and Columbus, OH.
How this compares to previous Meta retail efforts
The current Meta Lab initiative is a permanent evolution of the pop-up locations that appeared in late 2025. Those earlier pop-ups were designed to support the launch of the Ray-Ban Display, which initially required an in-person fitting to purchase. While those temporary spots helped Meta establish a physical footprint, the new Best Buy collaboration suggests a more mature, long-term retail strategy. By integrating both AI glasses and VR headsets, Meta is moving away from the abrupt, siloed product launches seen in the past and toward a unified brand experience.
Pro Tip: The VR Demo Advantage
If you have never used a modern VR headset, visiting a Meta Lab is the most effective way to understand the technology. Because the immersive nature of VR is difficult to convey through standard marketing, the ability to test a headset in person—a “mind-blowing” experience for many new users—remains a key advantage for this retail strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I find a Meta Lab?
Meta is launching these spaces in more than 50 Best Buy stores across the U.S. and Canada, with the first locations opening in San Carlos, CA; Roseville, MN; Woodland Park, NJ; Greenville, SC; and Columbus, OH. - What products can I try at the Meta Lab?
Visitors can demo the full lineup of Meta hardware, including Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta AI glasses, as well as Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S VR headsets. - Are there staff available to help?
Yes, every Meta Lab location is staffed by dedicated Meta Sales Specialists who are trained to assist with personalized fittings and product questions.
Have you had a chance to visit one of the new Meta Lab locations yet? Share your experience with the hardware in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on retail tech trends.
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