Meta Plans to Expand Retail Locations Amid Growing Smart Glasses Competition

Sure, here’s my take:

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Okay, so Meta’s been, like, dipping its toes into the retail waters forever—or at least it feels like it. But guess what? Word on the street (thanks, Business Insider) is they might actually be setting up shop big time. Not just quirky pop-ups anymore—like actual shops with doors and everything. Weird, right?

Someone inside Meta spilled the beans, saying they’re hiring folks for retail jobs. But it’s hush-hush for now, so don’t go blabbing. Maybe they want to pull an Apple and go for those sleek, glossy stores? Or maybe not. Who knows what they’re thinking.

Remember last year’s Los Angeles pop-up? Kinda got people talking. But since 2016, they’ve been popping these things up everywhere—plus teaming up with stores like Best Buy. The goal? Show off those XR headsets and stuff.

Ah, the good ol’ Meta Store. Ever been to Burlingame, California? That’s where their one and only permanent location is. Right by their Reality Labs hangout. You can check out their Quest doodads and the Ray-Ban Meta glasses there. Speaking of which, those glasses just might be the magic beans for this whole retail dream.

Apparently, they sold over a million Ray-Ban Meta Glasses in 2024. Mark Zuckerberg called it, let’s see, a “great start.” So, there’s that. Now, French-Italian eyewear boss, Francesco Milleri, said they’re cranking up production. By 2026, think 10 million units a year. That’s a lot of specs.

These glasses are pretty snazzy too—cameras, Meta AI, speakers. Loads of versions. Feels like every day there’s a new style or lens.

Oh, and speaking of competition, Bloomberg said Meta’s cooking up more smart glasses. Oakley might drop a sporty pair in there. And Google? Yeah, they’re getting cozy with companies like Warby Parker to release Android XR Glasses soon.

And Apple can’t resist either. Rumor has it they’re crafting a chip for smart glasses. Based on their watch tech, because, yeah, they need all the power efficiency for their camera-heavy gizmos.

It’s like everyone wants a piece of the smart glasses pie now. Can’t wait to see who gets frosting all over their face.

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That’s my spin on it!