Meta and Best Buy Expand In-Store VR and Smart Glasses Demo Spaces to 50 U.S. Locations
Meta and Best Buy are expanding their collaborative demo spaces, called Meta Lab, to 50 stores nationwide by the end of 2026. The locations offer hands-on testing of Meta's AI glasses and VR headsets, with specialists on hand for fittings and guidance. The rollout follows the opening of the first location in June 2026.
The initial Meta Lab opened in June 2026, serving as a pilot for the retail partnership. The upcoming expansion will bring the total number of dedicated in-store spaces to fifty across the United States by the close of the year, each staffed with Meta specialists to assist shoppers.
Beyond standard product displays, the labs feature a dedicated style wall for trying on various eyewear frames. For the Ray-Ban Display model, trained staff will demonstrate specific hand gestures and the muscle-activated Meta Neural Band. Visitors can also engage with Quest 3 and 3S headsets through guided demos, including theater-mode viewing and high-intensity interval training experiences.
This retail expansion could significantly lower the barrier to entry for consumers curious about augmented and virtual reality. By offering hands-on fittings and expert guidance, Best Buy and Meta may convert casual interest into actual purchases, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption of smart eyewear and VR gaming. The presence of dedicated specialists might also help address common usability concerns, such as fit and gesture controls, which could influence how quickly these technologies integrate into everyday entertainment and fitness routines.