Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Staples Tries Co-Working Spaces To Court Millennials And Entrepreneurs (pilotonline.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on from the supplying-the-office-stores dept.

Are there any Slashdot readers who are doing their work in co-working spaces? An anonymous reader writes: Staples office-supply stores is aggressively repositioning its brand to entice new customers like tech entrepreneurs and small businesses, reports The New York Times. "A case in point: Staples' partnership with Workbar, a Boston-based co-working company founded in 2009... Workbar attracts the coveted millennial generation, as well as entrepreneurs, a potential pipeline for new small business customers." Three co-working spaces have now been added to Staples stores, including their original flagship store in Boston, and the Times spotted funky art, skylights, an artificial putting green, as well as gourmet coffee "and -- on some nights -- happy hours with beer and wine."

"This blend of old and new shows how Staples Inc. is digging up its roots as one of the first, and most successful, big-box retailers. Under Shira Goodman, the company's new chief executive officer, Staples hopes it can reverse its years of declining sales, unlike so many other retailers left for dead in the internet age."
The company also reports online orders already make up 60% of their sales, which they hope to push to 80% by 2020, according to the Motley Fool. "Selling products, 50% of which are outside of traditional office supply categories, to businesses large and small has proven to be a resilient business for Staples."

103 of 177 comments (clear)

  1. Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

    Just another way to hide the super cheap open office plan behind "hipster" words. Even cubicles would be an improvement.

    --
    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    1. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      This is in a Staples store. Do you really want to work on your stuff at an open table in a Staples store?

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    2. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      Open layouts suck. You can't get peace and quiet, you hear everyone's phone conversations, everyone's music, everyone's nattering. And since there's no door, everyone is free to interrupt you. It's like working from home and nobody understands that you're WORKING, so call first.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    3. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      At least it keeps others from screen surfing.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    4. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      Obviously you didn't RTFA or you would have seen the picture. It's exactly what they're talking about. Paying $130 a month as a "member" so you can sit at a table and work in the open.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    5. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by futuresheep · · Score: 4, Informative

      It's been studied, several times over. Here's one you can use for reference. The summary is that in offices where employees have privacy and personal space, productivity is much higher. https://www.usnews.com/opinion... https://www.fastcompany.com/30... https://www.tradegecko.com/blo...

    6. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by JaredOfEuropa · · Score: 1

      Is that all they are offering? I've looked into co-worker spaces and "incubators" last year when I was working on some pet projects (working from home all the time wasn't as attractive as it sounds). Most places offered a lot of flexibility, i.e. widely spaced hot desks, quiet cells, meeting rooms, break rooms, fluffy creativity rooms, the inevitable pool / pingpong / foosball tables, up to private offices with leases from a day to a year. And tables as shown in TFA. For lone wolves and small startups it's a good deal: the facilities are generally decent and affordable, and you're bound to meet many other people working on interesting stuff, which can help your own efforts.

      But yeah, if it's just a table in a Staples store, then I'd pass.

      --
      If construction was anything like programming, an incorrectly fitted lock would bring down the entire building...
    7. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      Just another way to hide the super cheap open office plan behind "hipster" words.

      If you like. If you're a startup with little cash, co working spaces are super useful. Instead of renting whole office, you rent a single desk. Oddly enough it's rather a lot cheaper. And rather than being isolated in a lone office, there's other people near by, so it's not an isolating experience. And some of them provide useful networking stuff in order to compete.

      Does that make them hipster? I don't really care. You don't have to have a huge beard, a waxed moustache, tattoos, thick rimmed specs and no socks to work there. On the other hand they tend to be in hipstery locations because the type of useful locations for cow-orking (the cheap, but reasonably central ones) tend to be popular with hipsters too. That generaly means there's also good food and beer nearby, which is a win as far as I'm concerned.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
    8. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by Type44Q · · Score: 1

      so it's not an isolating experience.

      And there we have it, folks; millennials' real priorities - fulfilling-emotional "needs" - eventual float to the surface. ;)

    9. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by afgam28 · · Score: 1

      The studies focus on private offices vs open plan offices. The AC was talking about cubes vs open plan, and was saying that cubes are no substitute for a proper private office.

    10. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by cthulhu11 · · Score: 1

      When the power is out, or your kid is home from school, then yes. Charbux finally offers useable wifi but the loud music prevents calls / meetings. Mind you I'd rather do without the fluff aimed at kids with stickers on their laptops they carried in a messenger bag while riding on their fixie.

    11. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by cthulhu11 · · Score: 1

      When I need something for a day, a lease like that really isn't feasible. I need somewhere I can drop in for a few bucks.

    12. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      Doesn't work unless I'm wearing headphones too. And I don't want to, and shouldn't have to. That's why it's better to have an office with a door. Improved productivity, and more importantly, fewer errors caused by distractions, which more than makes up for the cost of a real office with a real door, unless you're working on something of no consequence that, if it screws up, nothing of value was lost.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    13. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      It's Staples. Even the coffee won't be free. For many coders, that's a deal breaker AND a ball breaker. :-)

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    14. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      There's no reason a one-person start-up has to be isolating. There's this thing called the Internet, where you can post ads looking for other people who might want to share your place for the same fee and free coffee (unlike Staples). You get to choose who you work around, and they can improve their workspace by setting up a second, larger screen so they're not struggling with the laptop screens lack of real estate. They could even park a desktop there for the duration - not something you can do at a co-working space.

      Or, better yet, budget your time properly so that you take screen breaks of 15 minutes to 2 hours to get out of the house, away from work, and let stuff gel in the back of your mind. Your increased efficiency will hopefully more than make up for fewer hours in front of the keyboard, because sometimes you can look at something all day and not see the problem when it's obvious to a fresh set of eyes (and that fresh set can be yours 2 hours later).

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    15. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      When I was a kid we had to either go outside to play until suppertime, or do homework. You can guess what we chose. Today, kids sit in front of screens instead, and recent studies have shown the long-term impact on their skeletal system (reduced bone density) that will bite them in spades later in life. Plus there's the whole screentime-obesity link.

      So we played. Sometimes had fun, sometimes got beaten up, but at least we weren't isolating ourselves. We knew all the other kids in the neighborhood, and their parents knew us.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    16. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      A restaurant and a BIG tip to the wait staff, as well as buying more than just coffee, works okay. It's more than a few bucks, but hey, you've got to eat anyway, might as well treat yourself. :-)

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    17. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by luis_a_espinal · · Score: 1

      This is in a Staples store. Do you really want to work on your stuff at an open table in a Staples store?

      I would depending on the circumstances. I've done telecommuting/freelancing work, and with noisy kids at home, sometimes going to the library or renting a room at a dunking donuts is an option. A co-working space is a good option for many situations.

      Shit ain't just black and white. News at 11.

    18. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by luis_a_espinal · · Score: 1

      Obviously you didn't RTFA or you would have seen the picture. It's exactly what they're talking about. Paying $130 a month as a "member" so you can sit at a table and work in the open.

      Which is a good option if you are freelancing or telecommuting with remote employers/clients and do not want to work from home. Another alternative is to rent an office space (which in some areas it might be as cheap as this offering.)

      The fact that it doesn't work for you does not make the notion idiotic (or that you are a genius for not liking it.)

    19. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by luis_a_espinal · · Score: 1

      The studies focus on private offices vs open plan offices. The AC was talking about cubes vs open plan, and was saying that cubes are no substitute for a proper private office.

      Nothing is a substitute for private offices, but in 23 years of doing this IT/software rodeo, I've never seen developers with private offices, just cubicles. Private offices are for leads, front-line managers and up (and for good reason because private offices are damn prohibitively expensive to give to every damned developer.)

    20. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by cthulhu11 · · Score: 1

      A restaurant would need to be open at 8am, have usable wifi and something I can order, and not be blasting dance music. That plus the fact that no restaurant would let one take up a booth all day

    21. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      There's no reason a one-person start-up has to be isolating. There's this thing called the Internet, where you can post ads looking for other people who might want to share your place for the same fee and free coffee (unlike Staples).

      So, co-working spaces are a bad idea and your genius solution is to not use one, but instead run one of your own in addition to your own business? Brilliant!

      and they can improve their workspace by setting up a second, larger screen so they're not struggling with the laptop screens lack of real estate. They could even park a desktop there for the duration - not something you can do at a co-working space.

      All three of the co-working spaces I've rented at allowed such things.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
    22. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 2

      If you "run one of your own", you get to pick and choose which one or two others you're going to share space with. That's important. Maybe you want people with complementary interests; maybe you want people with the same interests. You get to choose who you work with, and whether pets are allowed. In the early days, dogs were allowed in most start-ups. Not so much now. It's been shown that just having a dog sitting in the corner doing nothing lowers arguments in meetings. That doesn't happen with the "workbar" concept. And of course, greater productivity means you finish earlier or produce more in the same amount of time. Less stress. More happiness. Just try doing that in a Staples. (mind you, I used to bring mine in while shopping, and nobody said anything because Newfies are enormous)

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    23. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      If you "run one of your own", you get to pick and choose which one or two others you're going to share space with.

      So now in addition to the long leases of actual offices, you've got the administrative overhead of running a co-working space, vetting applicants and enforcing contracts like kicking them out for bad behaviour. You're making it sound like less and less work each time. I've got a great idea, how about we out-source, and let someone else amortise the long lease risk over many sub-letters and let them deal with all the crap.

      We can call those organisations "co-working spaces".

      That's important. Maybe you want people with complementary interests; maybe you want people with the same interests.

      Or ya know, you can sign up to a co-working space that already does that. There are ones which specialise in tech related startups. And ones that specialise in artists and related creative endeavours. I've always signed up to the former sort.

      You get to choose who you work with, and whether pets are allowed. In the early days, dogs were allowed in most start-ups. Not so much now. It's been shown that just having a dog sitting in the corner doing nothing lowers arguments in meetings.

      One of the larger companies at my previous cow-orking space got a puppy. Could take it or leave it. And, er what arguments?

      That doesn't happen with the "workbar" concept.

      This is quite funny. You keep telling me that stuff that happened at co working spaces I've been at is literally impossible. Here's a free clue: you've got completely the wrong end of the stick and are busy shaking it as hard as you can.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
    24. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      Who's talking about leasing office space. I've got two spare bedrooms. If I were still into coding, looking for a couple others who want to do the same would make sense.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    25. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      As long as the commercial use is 25% or less, no need to ask permission from the city. YMMV. Not everyone lives in the UK.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    26. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by PingSpike · · Score: 1

      Why not go to a public library? They're all over the place and have wifi and are at least somewhat quiet as a rule. Our local one even has meeting rooms you can book.

    27. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by cthulhu11 · · Score: 1

      Again, for work one tends to need a place that's open before 10am or noon, and of course spaces where one can speak are limited. Last library I worked out of had a "study room" that they reluctantly let me into, they wanted advance notice and had like a 2 hour time limit.

    28. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      No, I'm ignoring them because they're not relevant to my proposal. What I was proposing was extremely small scale - one or two other people. Not a commercial venture. It would help end the isolation that people working on their own experience.

      And you do the math - in this case they're charging $130 a month, but you have to pay for your own coffees, and you can't bring them in from off-premises, same as you can't bring your own food to a restaurant. So 3 cups a day (that's on the low side), 5 days a week, 4.3 weeks in a month comes out to 64 cups (well, 64.5, but who's counting). Your coffee bill will be more than your workbar membership. And then there's snacks, etc. Far cheaper for a team of two or three people to work from someone's home.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    29. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      And you do the math

      You're comparing the viability of your own venture not to co-workig in general but to this specific one, too. There's already tons of co-working spaces out there.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
    30. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      I'm comparing it to this one because that's what the story is about. Similarly, if the story were about Ubuntu abandoning Unity I wouldn't be talking about openSUSE in a VM.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    31. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      I'm comparing it to this one because that's what the story is about.

      Then your post is still nonsensical: that means you're saying "this co-working space sucks; go and found and run your own", rather than "go to a better one".

      Plus you kept on telling me I couldn't do things at co-working spaces in general, not this one in particular.

      Not everyone has the luxury of 2 spare bedrooms and not everyone is happy staying at home almost all the time. Co-working is for those people. If you're not one, that's great for you but that doesn't make co-working spaces a bad idea. Not everyone is the same as you and not everyone feels the same way as you either.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
    32. Re: Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      piss off.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
    33. Re:Another way to avoid supplying proper offices by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      The article was specific, and the limitations aren't just limited to Staples.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  2. I'm Getting Old by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    I must be getting old. Because to me a "co-working space" is a two-person office, with floor-to-ceiling walls and a door.

    1. Re:I'm Getting Old by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Getting old is remembering when the floor-to-ceiling walls weren't made out off glass and you could bang your secretary on the desk with some privacy.

    2. Re: I'm Getting Old by cthulhu11 · · Score: 1

      I worked at a place with two-person offices with walls and ceilings. The walls were Herman-Miller panels and not super soundproof. The contractor next to mine actually was banging the HR secretary in there. Both were married to better people.

  3. Wait, what? by MrLogic17 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "Workbar attracts the coveted millennial generation, "

    Wait, since when were millennials coveted as employees? Given their stereotyped work ethic, I'd think it would be the opposite.

    And yet again, the Gen X'res are forgotten and passed over again by the media.

    1. Re:Wait, what? by somenickname · · Score: 2

      I keep reading stories that millennials are also woefully unemployed. It seems odd to try to court people who would literally work for peanuts. Not to mention the fact that co-working, the latest buzzword for "not valued enough to have an office", is basically the most miserable work environment I can think of. You only need one loud overtalker and productivity effectively drops to zero.

      But, yeah... gig economy... millennials... open office... buzzword, buzzword. Hell, why not have a mandatory skinny jeans policy so we don't hurt the feelings of the younger guys.

    2. Re:Wait, what? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      It's false that "millennials" are more unemployed compared to other generations.

      It is true that more live with their parents and are not married. But just as many are employed.

    3. Re:Wait, what? by aaarrrgggh · · Score: 1

      While not great for concentration, pop-up/improvised workspaces offer a number of opportunities that you don't get working from home; co-working tries to mimic that. Most co-working spaces offer everything from cafe tables to private offices.

      For Staples, it is a smart move to maximize use of real-estate they are stuck with.

    4. Re:Wait, what? by Kjella · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Not to mention the fact that co-working, the latest buzzword for "not valued enough to have an office", is basically the most miserable work environment I can think of. You only need one loud overtalker and productivity effectively drops to zero.

      I think it's one of those "when it works it's amazing, so let's try to make everything and everyone like that". The best scrum team I've met was super chatty, they were constantly bouncing ideas and questions around and even though I'd take on any one of them in a one-on-one coding competition as a team they'd teach the Borg a thing or two about a hive mind. It was like looking at a professional sports team at play, sure every player has their role but if you didn't have any coordination the team that plays well together would overrun a team of highly talented individuals.

      The problem is, not everybody works like that. Some talk way too much, some really ought to say something but doesn't. Putting great players and poor players together or lack of coordination can lead to a lot of frustration as some people do excellent work only to see it go to waste. I know I failed at that one at work recently, to me it was obvious since I've lived and breathed the solution I'm working on for some years but to a new person it wasn't obvious at all, so I completely failed to point him to the existing solution so he started looking at a new one. And I've written a lot of code that was for naught.

      --
      Live today, because you never know what tomorrow brings
    5. Re:Wait, what? by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 1

      "Workbar attracts the coveted millennial generation, "

      Wait, since when were millennials coveted as employees? Given their stereotyped work ethic, I'd think it would be the opposite.

      And yet again, the Gen X'res are forgotten and passed over again by the media.

      Holy hell This!

      Millennials have not been too successful at working out in the workplace, and it isn't because of the surroundings. It's because their parents and schools have screwed them up so badly.

      And "them" is in general. Two of the best employees I've ever worked with were young women millennials. But outside those two, it went downhil really fast. The only saving grace was the problem ones quit quickly and moved back in with their parents or grandparents.

      --
      The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
    6. Re:Wait, what? by sound+vision · · Score: 1

      Skinny jeans have been hip since way before millennials.

      "And with your hair swung right
      And your pants too tight, it's gonna be all right"
      -The Byrds, "So You Want to Be a Rock n Roll Star?" (1967)

      Seriously, look at em:
      https://lastfm-img2.akamaized....
      They look exactly like indie kids, just missing the Chuck Taylors, because I don't think those existed yet.

    7. Re:Wait, what? by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      Not to mention the fact that co-working, the latest buzzword for "not valued enough to have an office"

      As someone who's done a fair bit of it, I thought co-working was "rent a desk in an office", and usually comes with very short (i.e. end of the current month, if you're not already too close) notice periods. Very useful to have if you're a startup, for example.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
  4. Re:I must be getting old by ColdWetDog · · Score: 3, Funny

    Yep, you're getting old. Can't remember what you posted a few minutes ago.

    Then it's your car keys.

    Then you're toast.

    --
    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
  5. Re:I must be getting old by PopeRatzo · · Score: 4, Funny

    "I can't find my glasses."

    "They're on your head."

    "Shut up, millennial scum. I'm not too old to show you what for."

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.
  6. Slashvertisment? by rsilvergun · · Score: 1

    Since when is an office supply store adding a coffee shop/bar to their stores News for Nerds, Stuff that Matters?

    --
    Hi! I make Firefox Plug-ins. Check 'em out @ https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-mp3-podcaster/
    1. Re:Slashvertisment? by somenickname · · Score: 1

      This isn't a slashvertisment, it's a hand wringing exercise for anyone over the age of 30.

    2. Re:Slashvertisment? by Hognoxious · · Score: 1

      Because it's a paradigm shift towards a more organic, collaborative business ecosystem.

      What a square old daddy-o you are!

      --
      Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
    3. Re:Slashvertisment? by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 2

      Because it's a paradigm shift towards a more organic, collaborative business ecosystem.

      What a square old daddy-o you are!

      Ooohh, I love that purdy talk. You're hired!

      --
      The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
    4. Re:Slashvertisment? by Tough+Love · · Score: 1

      Slashdot content warrior? (SCW)

      --
      When all you have is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a thumb.
  7. I don't get it by future+assassin · · Score: 1

    seriously can someone explain what they are trying to do. I read something about something hip and chill music.

    --
    by TheSpoom (715771) Uncaring Linux user here. I have nothing to add to this but please continue. *munches popcorn*
    1. Re:I don't get it by aaarrrgggh · · Score: 1

      Say you are stuck with a 20-year lease on a big-box retail store for a commodity product that everyone just buys online now. You pay $1/square foot for the space. You realize that you could convert 10-20,000 square feet of non-performing space into something that has a value of $2.5-3.5/square foot, plus offers some follow-on benefit to the remaining store.

      Do you like money?

    2. Re:I don't get it by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      And selling "workbar memberships" at $130 a month is going to pay the bills? I guess they're going to make it up in coffee sales or something. So what happens when you want to show stuff to a client - do you buy them a membership too?

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    3. Re:I don't get it by Man+On+Pink+Corner · · Score: 4, Interesting

      I've heard dumber ideas. When you need supplies, you'll get them from the store you're already in. Ditto with coffee.

      These stores are stuck with floor space, retail employees, and other forms of overhead that competitors like Amazon don't have to worry about. It may be time to consider wacky ideas like creating a 20,000-square-foot Starbucks.

    4. Re:I don't get it by aaarrrgggh · · Score: 2

      A serviced office runs $300-800/month, so $130 for a "work address is actually not a bad deal. Hell, an amortized cubicle runs over $500/month in most cities. In places where commute times are meaningful, having structured environments for employees to work from that are close to home is a huge advantage.

    5. Re:I don't get it by DogDude · · Score: 1

      It's called coworking. It's been a thing in medium to big size cities for about a decade or so.

      --
      I don't respond to AC's.
    6. Re:I don't get it by AHuxley · · Score: 1

      The hope is to get people in store and then have to buy stuff to do their projects. The more people that sit around chatting all day about their dreams, the more some of them might need pens, paper, a new usb flatbed scanner, 3d printer supplies, a camera card and other artistic consumables.
      As the consumers are surrounded by project materials, they might spend at that location too as the creativity flows.
      Smarter people just find a deal online for the same consumables with free postage USA wide.

      --
      Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
    7. Re:I don't get it by JaredOfEuropa · · Score: 1

      a 20,000-square-foot Starbucks

      Also known as the 3rd circle of hell.

      --
      If construction was anything like programming, an incorrectly fitted lock would bring down the entire building...
    8. Re:I don't get it by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      Lack of privacy, having to pack up your things when you need to go to the bathroom or skip out for half an hour for lunch (and drag it all with you), not having your own peripherals (printer/scanner/large 2nd screen) ... you might as well put the money towards a real home office.

      What next - bean counters saying "You're all being moved to work bars and we'll save SOOO much money"?

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    9. Re:I don't get it by luis_a_espinal · · Score: 1

      Say you are stuck with a 20-year lease on a big-box retail store for a commodity product that everyone just buys online now. You pay $1/square foot for the space. You realize that you could convert 10-20,000 square feet of non-performing space into something that has a value of $2.5-3.5/square foot, plus offers some follow-on benefit to the remaining store. Do you like money?

      This. This is similar to Walmart turning closed warehouses into data centers. People treat smart business like the work of the devil or some shit like that.

    10. Re:I don't get it by luis_a_espinal · · Score: 1

      Lack of privacy, having to pack up your things when you need to go to the bathroom or skip out for half an hour for lunch (and drag it all with you), not having your own peripherals (printer/scanner/large 2nd screen) ... you might as well put the money towards a real home office.

      What next - bean counters saying "You're all being moved to work bars and we'll save SOOO much money"?

      It's call compromise. Some people need to make the compromise. Others do not. And no, sometimes you do not want to have a home office.

    11. Re:I don't get it by aaarrrgggh · · Score: 1

      There are different arrangements; some places have lockers at the desk as well as external monitors and network resources.

      It is more of a social at,o sphere than working at home... some people need that.

  8. What in the actual fuck? by Powercntrl · · Score: 1

    So, is this like how Barnes and Noble has a Starbucks inside? Or, is it more like how the local mall couldn't find enough individual shops to rent out the place, so they converted most of the bottom floor into a gym (ostensibly for exercise, not Pokemon)? Or, is this like when I ask the guy I think is a salesperson at Walmart to unlock the anti-theft case so I can buy something, but he can't help me because he's only there to hock DirecTV subscriptions?

    The "new economy" sucks.

    --

    ---
    DRM is like antifreeze, to the MPAA/RIAA it's sweet, to the consumers it's poison.
    1. Re:What in the actual fuck? by Tough+Love · · Score: 1

      You know you're growing up when you suddenly realize how bad Starbucks coffee actually is. Hint: try somewhere on the Italian end of town.

      --
      When all you have is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a thumb.
  9. This could work by PPH · · Score: 2

    As long as the locations are near a convenient Office Depot for picking up supplies.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
  10. Theory meets reality by Hognoxious · · Score: 1

    Theory: Staples Tries Co-Working Spaces To Court Millennials And Entrepreneurs.

    Reality: They attract hipsters, slackers and the occasional thief.

    --
    Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
    1. Re:Theory meets reality by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 1

      Theory: Staples Tries Co-Working Spaces To Court Millennials And Entrepreneurs.

      Reality: They attract hipsters, slackers and the occasional thief.

      And the old people who are tired of hanging out at McDonald's in the morning.

      --
      The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
  11. Re:Yes by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

    I work in a famication lab with other people. Sometimes I build stuff, sometimes I program, sometimes I lounge on a couch. It's nice.

    To be honest, that is quite different from what I was expecting a fornication lab to be.

    Translation: He works on Uber's app - f*cking everyone over.

    --
    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  12. Struggling to see a benefit by BenJeremy · · Score: 1

    Seriously, how is this any better than working at your kitchen table? I've got a small computer desk with a laptop dock, full keyboard, trackball, and a wall-mounted monitor for those occasions when I work from home. In a few more months, I'll probably start working a portion of my week from home on a regular basis, and I'll probably add at least another monitor and set it up more like my main system.

    The chairs pictured in that article look awfully uncomfortable, and squinting at a tiny laptop screen for 8 hours, while others are jostling around me, potentially spying at my work? That's just stupid. Worse, you have to pay for this, right? Basically you are paying for the privilege of sharing a wi-fi connection.

    Yeah, I'll pass. There is zero appeal for anybody with common sense.

    1. Re:Struggling to see a benefit by starless · · Score: 1

      Seriously, how is this any better than working at your kitchen table?

      If you're single, maybe slightly more chance of getting laid?

      ...a longhaired freelance astrophysicist, said that he had met two girlfriends (now exes), and his current roommate, via power-strip negotiations.

      http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12...

    2. Re:Struggling to see a benefit by Tough+Love · · Score: 1

      Seriously, how is this any better than working at your kitchen table?

      Fewer food scraps? Or maybe not.

      --
      When all you have is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a thumb.
    3. Re:Struggling to see a benefit by Tough+Love · · Score: 1

      ...a longhaired freelance astrophysicist, said that he had met two girlfriends (now exes), and his current roommate, via power-strip negotiations.

      Server room inspections are even more productive, provided you are into hairy sysadmins.

      --
      When all you have is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a thumb.
    4. Re:Struggling to see a benefit by AHuxley · · Score: 1

      Re Seriously, how is this any better than working at your kitchen table?
      Staff will wonder past and hint about the fun that can be had with a 3d printer that is on special.
      Need different special pens for the comic, more special art paper? Like to try pencils or water colors? Coffee?
      A sheltered workshop for people with trust funds.

      --
      Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
    5. Re:Struggling to see a benefit by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      Seriously, how is this any better than working at your kitchen table?

      Just about anything is better than working at your kitchen table full time. I can work fine from home one or two days a week, and have a home lab/workshop set up just for that. But never seeing anyone day to day and having no real proper separation between work and home life sucks for most people.

      There is zero appeal for anybody with common sense.

      Common sense says it's worth spending 300 quid a month to stay sane. What lacks common sense is the false economy of not spending it.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
  13. Yeah, no. by JJJJust · · Score: 1

    Went to Staples a few months ago. Staples brand 6 ft micro USB cable was $38.99. Even for being in a premium location (Chicago Loop), that's just bullshit. Co-working spaces won't solve the basic problem of Staples being (or having the perception of being) over-fucking-priced.

  14. To court millenials and entrepreneurs by Dunbal · · Score: 1

    Anyone would think there was a shortage of talent. Funny, that's not what the unemployment figures claim. Or are businesses basically saying "fuck older people we don't want you, we only want young people" without actually saying this of course, because that would be illegal.

    --
    Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
  15. Re:I must be getting old by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 1

    Yep, you're getting old. Can't remember what you posted a few minutes ago.

    Then it's your car keys.

    Then you're toast.

    Toast? Hey young fella, I love toast can ya bring me some?

    We had mighty good toast back in the day. Non of this artisanal crap! Who the hell wants painted toast anyhow. Now where was I ?

    --
    The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
  16. Not much to buy at Staples... by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 1

    The only thing I ever brought from Staples was an Ergotron Neo-Flex monitor stand that I had to special order as the local stores didn't carry it and was less expensive than ordering through Amazon at the time (circa 2012).

  17. You want me to work for you, and care? by Snotnose · · Score: 1

    First, I want a desk I can use every day, not some shared thing. Second, desk needs a lockable drawer so I can stuff my collection of MP3s in to it, whatever format they may be in. Third, I want a computer that I can install the software I find useful on itl, and can count on it will be in the same state monday morning as it was friday evening.

    You fail any of these, you just lost a good developer for whatever you thought you were saving money on. Keep in mind, these are my minimums. I'll take a lot of shit, but if I don't have a dedicated desk with a dedicated computer and a lockable drawer, then fuck you.

    1. Re:You want me to work for you, and care? by DogDude · · Score: 1

      You obviously don't understand the concept of coworking.

      --
      I don't respond to AC's.
  18. Meh. by Fencepost · · Score: 1

    There are times when I think it'd be nice to have a coworking space to use, but what Workbar is offering doesn't look like something I'd want unless it also had other things going for it such as available meeting & presentation rooms, a location that was convenient to places I was going to need to go, or good networking opportunities.

    Maybe I'm spoiled being in the suburbs, but I'm really not seeing the advantage this has over any of several local libraries or a Starbucks, and I could work in either of those free or for about the same cost as Workbar.

    --
    fencepost
    just a little off
  19. amazing how stupid MBAs really are by WindBourne · · Score: 1

    It never dawns on these idiots that nobody is going to be loyal to these American companies, when they are not loyal to Americans. Staples, like walmart and target, are just front-ends for china.

    Just like the rest of the developed nations, we need to put a vat on our goods, and esp. on parts/goods/services coming over the border.

    --
    I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
    1. Re:amazing how stupid MBAs really are by WindBourne · · Score: 1

      totally different tax and is implemented ONLY at retail and only by states. IOW, it has no impact on parts/goods/services crossing the border. OTOH, nearly all other nations that we deal with have VATs on the borders.

      --
      I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
  20. Install stuff we don't have. by Mal-2 · · Score: 1

    If they've got 3D printers, I might well give them a spin. Same if they have color laser printers that can be rented exclusively (no sharing and worrying about other people seeing your porn^Wconfidential printouts). A light-duty CNC mill would also be an attraction.

    While they might have the color laser printers, I doubt they allow any one person or group to corner it like that, and I see no mention of the other two things I'd want to see. I can make coffee without their help, thank you very much.

    --
    How is the Riemann zeta function like Trump rallies? Both have an endless number of trivial zeros.
    1. Re:Install stuff we don't have. by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      If they've got 3D printers, I might well give them a spin. Same if they have color laser printers that can be rented exclusively (no sharing and worrying about other people seeing your porn^Wconfidential printouts). A light-duty CNC mill would also be an attraction.

      Sounds like you want more of a hackerspace/makerspace/fablab sort of place than a cow-working spaces. Those tend to be more like renting a desk in an office kind of deals. And speaking of your laser printer habit---someone recently got instabanned from my local hackspace for "sanding his wooden dowel" in the space if you know what I mean.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
    2. Re:Install stuff we don't have. by afgam28 · · Score: 1

      Sounds like you're looking for something like TechShop - http://techshop.ws/

    3. Re:Install stuff we don't have. by Mal-2 · · Score: 1

      It's not that I'm looking for this myself -- the Greater Los Angeles area is fairly well studded with maker spaces. But it would be wonderful to have something of that nature in every major city and a lot of smaller ones, with signage visible from every main highway. They could be the McDonald's of maker spaces and I'd still consider it a Good Thing.

      --
      How is the Riemann zeta function like Trump rallies? Both have an endless number of trivial zeros.
  21. This is awesome! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    If on the road and your only other choice is working from Starbucks, - overworked wifi, fight for power plug, high-glare seat, summertime loud as hell frapachino blenders even piercing noise cancelling headphones.

  22. Country-dependent by DrYak · · Score: 1

    It is true that more live with their parents and are not married.

    Maybe in the US.

    A growing trend seen in Europe is millenial living flatmates in a shared apartment.
    So, yeah they also tend not to live up the "married living in a house with a dog by mid 20s" cliché of their parents.
    The only difference with the US is that they're not staying in their parent's basement (probably due to europe being more densely populated, and the parents not having basements available for that due to living in apartments)

    --
    "Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
  23. Re:YFirst, I ou want me to work for you, and care? by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

    First, I want a desk I can use every day, not some shared thing. Second, desk needs a lockable drawer so I can stuff my collection of MP3s in to it, whatever format they may be in.

    My previous co-working space had a dedicated desks with a lockable drawer. My current one, and one before that has non lockable drawers but provided lockers nearby.

    Third, I want a computer...

    That's your employer's problem, not your cow-orking space's problem.

    --
    SJW n. One who posts facts.
  24. How long until coworking becomes dorms? by swb · · Score: 1

    Why not incorporate living spaces into this concept, a kind of dorm?

    Basic living spaces, shared bathrooms, a cafeteria (with discounted prepaid meal plans) to go along with the shared office work spaces.

  25. Co-located spaces by zifn4b · · Score: 2

    Honestly, I think companies themselves created the buzz around young people liking co-located spaces when in fact, it's the companies that prefer open, co-located spaces because it makes it a lot easier for them to observe you and make sure they get as close to 100% utilization out of you as possible. It has nothing to do with people thinking co-located "spaces" are cool. The Fortune 500 company I worked at that adopted them, it was very clear what their motivation was for moving to them. And as others have posted, it's very clear there is less productivity in co-located spaces as well.

    --
    We'll make great pets
    1. Re:Co-located spaces by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      Very nice and all, but it's got nothing to do with TFA. Cow-orking spaces are places you go to rent one or a small number of stations at which you can ork cows (i.e. desks). Your neighbour will likely be from a different company. The company you rent space from doesn't give a fig if you get high utilisation or low utilisation of your workers as long as you pay the rent and don't piss off the other customers.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
    2. Re:Co-located spaces by zifn4b · · Score: 1

      Very nice and all, but it's got nothing to do with TFA. Cow-orking spaces are places you go to rent one or a small number of stations at which you can ork cows (i.e. desks). Your neighbour will likely be from a different company. The company you rent space from doesn't give a fig if you get high utilisation or low utilisation of your workers as long as you pay the rent and don't piss off the other customers.

      My bad. We have one of those where I live. It's a scam to make money. Paid membership to be in some large incubator with no orchestration? The only reason I can think of why anyone would do that is the sense of feeling like you belong to some exclusive club like a prestigious golf club membership.

      --
      We'll make great pets
    3. Re:Co-located spaces by serviscope_minor · · Score: 1

      Office rental is a scam now? WTF?

      It's really simple, right? You want an office with office facilities but are only have a few people. So, you sub let space from someone. This ain't complicated.

      --
      SJW n. One who posts facts.
    4. Re:Co-located spaces by zifn4b · · Score: 1

      Office rental is a scam now? WTF?

      It's really simple, right? You want an office with office facilities but are only have a few people. So, you sub let space from someone. This ain't complicated.

      That's not the way it's pitched here. Some people do use these co-located incubator spaces for cheaper rent but it's an open space for all the companies. Cross pollination and collaboration is encouraged and that is the basis of the business model. It's also pitched for people who are interested getting into "the scene" whatever that means. That's the part that I find to just be a no value sales pitch.

      There is no evidence that I'm aware of that it helps grow businesses any better than anything else. What it does do is it allows the investors in the to reap a huge profit with a lot of hype and happy talk.

      I guess my biggest problem is the people who run these things tout it as if they are the heroes of the tech industry when they're just basically glorified "tech slum lords" out for money who couldn't care less about the industry.

      --
      We'll make great pets
  26. Re:F***king Staples by RotateLeftByte · · Score: 1

    It seems that everything Tech that is on sale in the USA is made in China by slave workers.

    Is there something that isn't we can talk about?

    --
    I'd rather be riding my '63 Triumph T120.
  27. Re: Yes by cthulhu11 · · Score: 1

    You first. Best guess is the OP meant "fabrication".

  28. Slashdot continues to fall down by bussdriver · · Score: 1

    I remember when the slashdot had less idiots.

    Golf is elitist (expensive; often exclusive,) it is not racist.

    Golf is not a sport - it is an evolved version of playing fetch with your dog.... except it is for 1. Usually, it is played in parallel with others so you can socialize while you all go fetch your balls. Actually, it is popular as a disguise for ass kissing.

    --
    Democracy Now! - uncensored, anti-establishment news
  29. A 20,000 sq. ft Starbucks sounds like hell to me by zerofoo · · Score: 1

    If businesses want to improve productivity give me one of two things:

    Either

    an office with a door

    OR

    A VPN router, IP phone, and a laptop so I can work from home.

    A 20,000 Sq. Ft. Starbucks sounds like my idea of hell.

  30. That picture is depressing by Rastl · · Score: 1

    The picture of their 'hip working space' is downright depressing. Concrete floors so every sound is magnified, tables so you need to fight for space when it gets busy, no visible power stations (might be for photo purposes but might not), no privacy at all. No place to meet with clients.

    Honestly you would be better off going to your public library and using their wi-fi and work spaces. Your taxes are already paying for them and they don't mind when people are there for long periods of time. They're even catching up with the times as some of them allow beverages in covered containers so you can have your coffee at your work area.

    It would be an interesting concept if they had tiny office-type areas that were closed off so you could work with a small team, on a conference call, meet clients, etc. As it is they're just turning their employee break rooms into pseudo-conference rooms.