I'm curious what Regus' take is on WeWork (i.e. strategy).
In other words, did they start a hip new WeWork-killer? Attempt to compete on price? Have special retention marketing campaigns to stave off clients from going to WeWork.
Interesting, I did not know Spaces was under IWG! They are here in DC as well. Materially the office space is the same offering as WeWork, but there is a noticeably different vibe/sheen that is hard to pin down. Neither appeals to me as I find it hard to focus / get work done in coworking places like this, but WeWork just feels better executed / 'cooler' at first blush.
I've only been to WeWork in London, yes I agree the vibe is a little different. You could argue they're both faking it being hip but WeWork does a slightly more convincing job while Spaces feels bit more corporate.
That said, I found the WeWork in London extremely noisy and tight compared to my current space. It might be just a side effect of real estate prices in respective cities, though.
I've been to that Spaces Noma in DC many times, and I immediately said to my coworker that it was a "cheap imitation of WeWork". The same entrepreneurs in glass cages concept, the same barista upfront, but without any real originality. I don't like the WeWork vibe but at least there's some original thought going into it. Spaces is just an imitation, but you know what, does it matter? From a business perspective, immitation is the sincerest form of flattery, even if it feels like a cheap imitation.
In other words, did they start a hip new WeWork-killer? Attempt to compete on price? Have special retention marketing campaigns to stave off clients from going to WeWork.