ColumnistsMay 10, 2022
Metaverse and Web 3.0: Why & How Jewelers Should Get Involved TechnologyMay 11, 2022
Meta, the Company Formerly Known as Facebook, Opens its First Store
The tech giant’s store will introduce shoppers to the metaverse.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, opened its first store in Burlingame, California, stocking hardware that can introduce shoppers to the metaverse. (Image courtesy of Meta)
Burlingame, Calif.—Meta, the tech company formerly known as Facebook, opened its first physical retail space Monday on its Burlingame, California campus.
The new store gives customers hands-on experience with hardware that can bring them into the metaverse, as well as a virtual space where users can interact with a computer-generated environment and socialize with other users.
“We’re not selling the metaverse in our store, but hopefully people will come in and walk out knowing a little bit more about how our products will help connect them to it,” said Martin Gilliard, head of Meta Store, in a post on Meta’s blog announcing the new store.
“Once people experience the technology, they can gain a better appreciation for it.”
Customers will be able to purchase Meta Quest 2, the second iteration of the company’s virtual reality headset, which retails for $299, and accessories for the headset, like a carrying case.
There’s an interactive display wall and a demo area where visitors can play a variety of games, like golf or fishing, on wall-to-wall curved LED screens that display what they’re seeing in the headset to other customers.
When the demo is over, users will get a 30-second clip of the experience to share with friends.
Meta Portal video-calling devices, which feature AI-powered smart cameras, are also available for purchase at the store.
There’s a demo area for Portal devices as well, letting visitors place a video call to a retail associate who can walk them through all the features.
Visitors can also test out Ray-Ban Stories, the sunglasses brands’ first smart glasses, though they have to be purchased directly from Ray-Ban.
The smart specs allow wearers to take photos and videos from a first-person perspective and share them through Meta-owned Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Related stories will be right here …
The new store gives customers hands-on experience with hardware that can bring them into the metaverse, as well as a virtual space where users can interact with a computer-generated environment and socialize with other users.
“We’re not selling the metaverse in our store, but hopefully people will come in and walk out knowing a little bit more about how our products will help connect them to it,” said Martin Gilliard, head of Meta Store, in a post on Meta’s blog announcing the new store.
“Once people experience the technology, they can gain a better appreciation for it.”
Customers will be able to purchase Meta Quest 2, the second iteration of the company’s virtual reality headset, which retails for $299, and accessories for the headset, like a carrying case.
There’s an interactive display wall and a demo area where visitors can play a variety of games, like golf or fishing, on wall-to-wall curved LED screens that display what they’re seeing in the headset to other customers.
When the demo is over, users will get a 30-second clip of the experience to share with friends.
Meta Portal video-calling devices, which feature AI-powered smart cameras, are also available for purchase at the store.
There’s a demo area for Portal devices as well, letting visitors place a video call to a retail associate who can walk them through all the features.
Visitors can also test out Ray-Ban Stories, the sunglasses brands’ first smart glasses, though they have to be purchased directly from Ray-Ban.
The smart specs allow wearers to take photos and videos from a first-person perspective and share them through Meta-owned Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Meta’s 1,550-square-foot store is strategically located near Reality Labs HQ, the home base of the research teams behind Meta’s augmented and virtual reality technologies. Meta operates 12 research facilities worldwide.
“Having the store here in Burlingame gives us more opportunity to experiment and keep the customer experience core to our development. What we learn here will help define our future retail strategy,” said Gilliard.
“Ultimately, our goal with the Meta Store is to show people what’s possible with our products today, while giving a glimpse into the future as the metaverse comes to life—and hopefully demystifying that concept a bit in the process,” said Meta.
SEE: Take a Look Inside the Meta Store
The new Meta store opened in Burlingame, California earlier this week.
Visitors can try and buy select Meta products, like the Meta Quest 2, a virtual reality headset.
The demo area for the Meta Quest 2 features wall-to-wall curved LED screens to show what a user is seeing on the headset.
Customers can also test out Ray-Ban Stories, the brand’s first smart glasses that can take pictures and video.
Facebook renamed itself Meta in November 2021 at a time when it was in the spotlight for its role in spreading misinformation. The company attributed the change to its “all-in” attitude on the metaverse.
The metaverse revenue opportunity was valued at $500 billion in 2020, according to a 2021 Bloomberg report, and could grow to $800 billion by 2024.
With such a lucrative, relatively untapped market up for grabs, luxury brands have been staking their claim in the metaverse, looking to capture the attention of tech-savvy Gen Z shoppers.
Last May, Gucci and Roblox, a popular metaverse platform, teamed up on the Gucci Garden experience in honor of the brand’s 100th anniversary. For two weeks only, visitors could walk through the garden, and try on and purchase digital products for their avatars.
In September 2021, Balenciaga partnered with video game Fortnite to create digital merchandise inspired by real-life designs.
National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams took a deep dive into the metaverse in their latest column, highlighting what jewelers should know and how they can be a part of it.
“Jewelry is the perfect category for the metaverse,” Syama Meagher, CEO and chief retail strategist at Scaling Retail, is quoted in the column as saying.
“It is collectible by nature, perfect for collaborations, and carries more brand loyalty than clothing. We have to ask ourselves, how do our brands create meaning in a virtual world where people are congregating and socializing?”
During the annual Jewelry Market Week in Las Vegas in June, the JCK Show will feature an opening keynote on the topic by Swan Sit, former global head of digital marketing at Nike, Estée Lauder, and Revlon.
Called “Web3 Is Coming—Navigating the Past, Present, and Future of Retail,” the talk is scheduled for Friday, June 10 at 8:30 a.m. at The Venetian and is open to all registered badge holders.
The metaverse revenue opportunity was valued at $500 billion in 2020, according to a 2021 Bloomberg report, and could grow to $800 billion by 2024.
With such a lucrative, relatively untapped market up for grabs, luxury brands have been staking their claim in the metaverse, looking to capture the attention of tech-savvy Gen Z shoppers.
Last May, Gucci and Roblox, a popular metaverse platform, teamed up on the Gucci Garden experience in honor of the brand’s 100th anniversary. For two weeks only, visitors could walk through the garden, and try on and purchase digital products for their avatars.
In September 2021, Balenciaga partnered with video game Fortnite to create digital merchandise inspired by real-life designs.
National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams took a deep dive into the metaverse in their latest column, highlighting what jewelers should know and how they can be a part of it.
“Jewelry is the perfect category for the metaverse,” Syama Meagher, CEO and chief retail strategist at Scaling Retail, is quoted in the column as saying.
“It is collectible by nature, perfect for collaborations, and carries more brand loyalty than clothing. We have to ask ourselves, how do our brands create meaning in a virtual world where people are congregating and socializing?”
During the annual Jewelry Market Week in Las Vegas in June, the JCK Show will feature an opening keynote on the topic by Swan Sit, former global head of digital marketing at Nike, Estée Lauder, and Revlon.
Called “Web3 Is Coming—Navigating the Past, Present, and Future of Retail,” the talk is scheduled for Friday, June 10 at 8:30 a.m. at The Venetian and is open to all registered badge holders.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Technology
The Latest
IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 YearsThe Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter AwardReeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac PendantThe piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
Weekly QuizMar 14, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
