Meta has announced the opening of its first stationary store. The store is slated to open May 9 in Burlingame, California, the Facebook parent said on Monday.
The store sells VR goggles and goggle accessories – introducing Meta’s latest model ‘Quest 2’, goggles specially made for use in the Metaverse. Screens and technical gadgets from Meta’s hardware line ‘Portal’ will also be available in the store.
Meta also worked with eyewear manufacturer Ray Ban to open the store. The two companies have worked together on so-called “Ray Ban Stories” – three models of glasses that have a small camera and microphone that can be used, for example, to take snapshots of everyday life. Other features, such as sending messages via Facebook, are also possible with the technical accessory.
Exploring virtuality through hands-on experiences
Meta describes the store as a “hands-on experience with the hardware products” – because Meta wants the customers to interact with the products, touch them and feel them. Through displays, visitors can contact sales staff and receive advice via video; Using the ‘Portal’ products on display, glasses can be tried on in a virtual way using a face filter. An interactive screen also allows visitors to test the games and virtual experiences of the Quest 2 glasses on site. “Once people get to know the technology, they can appreciate it better. If we’ve done our job right, people should go and tell their friends, ‘You guys need to check out the Meta Store,'” says Martin Gilliard, Meta Store Director.
The sales area is almost 145 square meters. With the stationary concept, Meta aims to demystify the connection between the now and the future of the metaverse through immersive experiences with the products. “The Meta Store will help people connect to the Metaverse as our products can be the gateway to the Metaverse in the future. We don’t sell the Metaverse in our store, but we hope people will come in and come out knowing a little bit more about how our products can help them connect to it,” said Martin Gilliard, head of the Meta stores.
To make the buying experience even easier, Meta has added a “Shop” button on the company’s website, which allows customers to browse the physical store’s offerings digitally as well.