Meta Lab, known for AI glasses, is nearly doubling its retail store footprint

It’s shortly after opening time at Meta Lab on Fifth Avenue, and already, visitors are streaming in. Some are browsing the racks of AI smart glasses, comparing transition lenses and clear lenses, trying on different frames — the Starfire edition with Kylie Jenner is especially popular — and flipping open rechargeable cases. Upstairs, others are getting guided demos from staff and perusing the laser-engraving station, which offers New York-specific icons like hot dog carts.

This fall, even more customers will get to experience Meta’s AI glasses in person. That’s because Meta Lab plans to open six new standalone stores in the next several months, beginning with Houston, which opened on Sept. 10. The other stores will be based in Atlanta; San Diego; Chicago; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Moynihan Station in New York City, the company confirmed to Modern Retail.

The plans will nearly double Meta Lab’s store footprint, which, before last week, totaled eight locations, including flagships in Los Angeles, New York City and Honolulu. The move comes on the heels of Meta’s other investments in physical retail as it continues its push into wearables. In June, Meta Lab began offering demos and fittings of AI glasses at Best Buy. It’s now on track to operate 50 such shop-in-shops by the end of 2026.

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