Company behind co-working space WeWork launches retail concept in NY

We Company, the company behind co-working space WeWork, is serious about blurring the lines between workspace and retail. After partnering up with Rent the Runway to allow customers of the fashion rental service to pick up garments at WeWork locations, the company has now launched Made by We, a new retail concept in New York featuring a cafe, a store and workstations that can be rented by the minute, no membership required.

“Made by We will act as a new town square, revitalizing the neighborhood with a center of community where people can come together to work, grow, support mission-driven products and small businesses made by our members, and gather for events that help people build a life powered by connection and purpose”, says the company in a statement.

Products offered by Made by We’s marketplace include apparel, leather accessories, stationary, reusable water bottles, candles, hats, snacks and even electronics like speakers and headphones made by member of the We community.

This isn’t the company’s first foray into retail, however. Last year, the company launched WeMRKT, a store in New York City featuring products by WeWork members and winners of a quarterly innovation competition.

Founded in 2010 and valued at about 47 billion US dollars, We Company operates 425 workspaces in 100 cities around the world, which are used by over 400,000 people. Recently, the company has been branching out to new sectors, with the launch of WeLive, a series of co-living spaces where people can stay for a few nights or a few months; and WeGrow, a network of elementary schools.

Pictures: We Company newsroom