Since its launch in 2010, New York–based WeWork has gone from a shared workspace startup to a conglomerate offering alternative co-living, educational, and wellness facilities to clients around the world—and, more recently, naming the seemingly ubiquitous Bjarke Ingles to its design roster. As of June 25, WeWork has added “retailer” to its portfolio with the launch of WeMrkt, a “modern retail space” that will sell select products such as snacks, branded apparel, and office wares made by WeWork members, according to the company.
“WeMrkt is a great example of WeWork’s commitment to our members’ success,” said Julie Rice, WeWork’s chief brand officer in a press release. “[WeMrkt is] by our members, for our members.”
Situated in WeWork’s 205 Hudson Street location in New York City, WeMrkt features 10 products—including those by food waste–eliminating companies Barnana and Misfit Juicery, and organic coconut oil– and whey protein–fortified coffee brand Sunniva—by members that were selected from an internal pitch competition hosted in April. Members will have future opportunities to pitch new products for the commercial market quarterly, with WeWork prioritizing offerings that are “are innovative, have eye-catching packaging, and are backed by a solid business plan,” according to the same release. Winners have the added benefit of further distribution opportunities with SnackNation, a healthy snack delivery service that partners with WeWork.
“We are really honored and feel lucky to have that kind of instant visibility within the WeWork community,” said Molly Peterson, director of communications for Icelandic Provisions, a yogurt-like skyr startup, which will also be available at WeMrkt according to the press release.
Following this launch, WeWork plans to expand the WeMrkt program to other to-be-named locations in New York, and then around the country.
