Meta Launches Physical Store to Accelerate Metaverse Ambitions

Meta Launches Physical Store to Accelerate Metaverse Ambitions

Meta’s New Brick‑and‑Mortar Metaverse Hub

Meta Platforms just rolled out its first real‑world store—yes, a place where you can actually touch and try on virtual‑reality gear before buying it. Nestled on the company’s Burlingame campus in California, this 1,550‑square‑foot showroom opens its doors on May 9.

What’s on Display?

  • Quest 2 VR headset – Dive into immersive worlds and maybe even spot your friends’ avatars on the wall.
  • Portal – The video‑calling device that lets you chat in 3D; perfect for a virtual family dinner.
  • Ray‑Ban AR glasses – See the real world with a dash of augmented reality flair.
  • (The Ray‑Bans aren’t for sale in the store, but all other gadgets are.)
  • All the devices can also be snagged online from a fresh “shopping” tab on meta.com.

  • Meta’s Big Metaverse Gamble

    The company is on a full‑tilt strategy to turn the “metaverse” from a fancy buzzword into everyday life. This virtual playground is where people can interact, work, and play, all in a seamless digital space.

  • Key moves:*
  • Launching Horizon Worlds to experiment with selling digital assets and experiences.
  • Introducing a 47.5 % fee on creator sales—a move that’s sparked some controversy among app developers.
  • Analysts have eyes peeled on the next Quest 2 release, expected in Q2. They say this next‑gen headset will be the linchpin for Meta’s metaverse ambitions.

  • Bottom Line

    Meta’s first physical showroom isn’t just a retail venture; it’s a testbed for a future where buying a headset feels as real as grabbing a coffee. If you’re curious about where the metaverse will land, this store’s a good place to start—just don’t forget to have a backup in case you get sucked into a VR adventure that lasts longer than a podcast.

  • Meta’s metaverse saga continues…*