Meta, formerly known as Facebook is in talks to launch its first retail store as it looks to break into the metaverse to allow the former Facebook showcase devices like virtual reality headsets and teleconferencing gadgets that allow people to video chat through Facebook, New York Post reports
The retail plans, which is still undecided, indicate Meta is in need of a real-world presence to showcase what it can do in the virtual world, according to the New York Times.
The retail opening, which is coming after about a week Meta announced it is changing its name from Facebook would mean there would be more focus on building a virtual world (metaverse ) where users can socialize, work and play.
The retail store when comes to realit, will sell several products that could let customers try in real life, some of which have been sold in retail locations like Best Buy. The Meta flagship store is reported to be at Meta Reality Labs in Burlingame, California, and its name would be called “Facebook Store.”
The social network’s recent rebrand to Meta and its increased focus on consumer hardware are part of its efforts to build the metaverse. The Oculus Quest virtual reality headsets, will be rebranded to become Meta Quest to give people a chance to see its vision for metaverse before deciding to buy. And the Facebook Portal video chat devices will be rebranded to Meta Portal.
The metaverse is envisioned as a future version of the internet where VR and AR play a much bigger role than today.
Meta will not be the first to launch into having retail store. Microsoft recently ditched its retail locations to focus on its online store. While Apple have long found success in retail stores.