# IRL Metaverse Stores Leaked Documents Reveal That Meta is Planning to Launch IRL Stores By Niko Pajkovic | Published 2022-01-27 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irl-meta References: [wersm](https://wersm.com/meta-may-soon-launch-irl-stores-to-showcase-its-metaverse-products/) & [about.facebook](https://about.facebook.com/)  A recent [New York Times](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reeses-book-club) report featured leaked internal documents detailing [Meta's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-store) (formerly [Facebook's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-avatars)) plans to develop a network of in-real-life (IRL) Meta stores throughout the U.S. According to the documents, it appears the company intends for the physical locations to be entirely dedicated to highlighting the brand's new metaverse-oriented products. For example, shoppers could head to a physical Meta store to buy AR glasses, VR headsets, Portal devices, and other items tied directly to Meta and its new metaverse platform. By having a physical IRL presence, Meta hopes to connect consumers with the metaverse by making it more accessible while also highlighting its tangible value. As of right now, there are no firm dates regarding the launch of IRL Meta stores. Image Credit: Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **IRL Metaverse Stores:** Meta plans to develop a network of in-real-life Meta stores throughout the U.S. dedicated to highlighting the brand's new metaverse-oriented products. - **AR/VR Retail Experience:** Meta's IRL stores will provide shoppers the opportunity to experience and purchase AR glasses, VR headsets, and other Meta products. - **Metaverse Accessibility:** Meta aims to make the metaverse more accessible to consumers by having a physical IRL presence through Meta stores. ### Where This Applies - **Retail Industry:** Meta's IRL Metaverse Stores suggest a possible shift towards a more experiential retail experience. - **AR/VR Industry:** Meta's IRL stores highlight a potential growth opportunity in the AR/VR industry through its physical retail presence. - **Technology Industry:** Meta's IRL stores may disrupt the technology industry by providing a new way to introduce consumers to emerging technologies such as AR and VR through retail experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Physical Dedicated VR Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-store.md) - [Interactive AR Storefronts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotselfie-ar-meta-stores.md) - [One-Stop Metaverse Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metastores.md) - [Metaverse Farmers' Markets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metamarket.md) - [Flagship Metaverse Retail Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decentraland.md) - [Metaverse Tech Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dyson-demo-vr.md) - [Lifelike 3D Metaverse Avatars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-avatars.md) - [Virtual Mall Metaverses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metamall.md) - [Gamified Metaverse Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metaverse-store.md)