Meta Expands Retail Presence with AI-Powered Meta Labs Pop-Ups

Meta is accelerating its push into physical retail with the launch of dedicated Meta Labs pop-up spaces inside Best Buy stores across the United States and Canada. The tech giant confirmed over 50 of these interactive "store-within-a-store" locations will open soon, each spanning approximately 900 square feet.

According to Meta's official announcement, these spaces will feature hands-on demonstrations of the company's AI-powered smart glasses and VR headsets. Visitors can experience interactive displays, smart mirrors, and personalized fittings with assistance from dedicated Meta sales specialists.

The initiative underscores Meta's strategic focus on artificial intelligence integration into wearable devices. Recent data shows this approach is gaining traction - CNBC reported in February 2026 that sales of Meta's AI glasses tripled to 7 million units in 2025, up from just 2 million combined sales in 2023 and 2024.

Industry analysts suggest the sales surge correlates with Meta's rebranding of its smart glasses as AI companions rather than simple camera accessories. The company has been aggressively marketing the devices' "personal superintelligence" capabilities for everyday tasks.

The Meta Labs displays will prominently feature the evolving AI glasses lineup alongside VR hardware, though sources indicate Meta has been gradually shifting resources away from virtual reality development. The pop-ups arrive as Meta prepares several new wearable launches, including:

• An AI-powered pendant device currently in development
• Next-generation AR glasses expected in 2027
• Custom designer collaborations like the limited edition glasses recently modeled by pop star Doja Cat

Meta has also made strategic hires to boost its wearable marketing, including recruiting Snapchat's former director of global content partnerships to lead celebrity and influencer collaborations. This approach appears effective, with high-profile endorsements like Doja Cat's custom glasses generating significant social media engagement.

The Meta Labs pop-ups will begin rolling out this month, marking Meta's most significant brick-and-mortar retail expansion to date. Like.tg analysts note this physical retail strategy could prove crucial for driving mainstream adoption of Meta's AI wearables, particularly among consumers who prefer hands-on product testing before purchase.