Meta to Open 50 Dedicated Lab Spaces in Best Buy Stores by 2026

Meta is expanding its physical retail presence across the United States, with plans to launch 50 dedicated Meta Lab spaces within Best Buy stores by the close of 2026, according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter.

The nationwide initiative is designed to provide consumers with direct, in-person access to the company's expanding hardware ecosystem. The dedicated retail zones will focus on hands-on demonstrations of new devices.

## Pushing In-Store Tech Demos

The planned rollout represents a significant commitment to traditional brick-and-mortar partnerships. While Meta has long relied on digital marketing and standard wholesale shelf space, the new retail footprint establishes specialized zones specifically configured for consumer testing.

Demonstrating spatial computing and wearable tech has posed a persistent challenge for digital platforms. Hardware categories such as smart glasses and mixed-reality headsets require physical interaction to clearly communicate visual fidelity, comfort and software capabilities to casual buyers.

By leveraging Best Buy's existing retail network, the company can scale experiential retail hubs much faster than building standalone company-owned storefronts, while lowering the barrier to entry for mainstream shoppers.

The phased rollout of the 50 Meta Lab locations is scheduled to proceed across key domestic markets through the end of 2026.