Coworking Beyond Traditional Office Floors: Regus Takes a Major Step in Expanding Beyond Corporate Hubs

The coworking market continues to evolve, and one of the key players driving this transformation is International Workplace Group (IWG) through its Regus brand. In an exclusive interview with REsource, Tiago Alves, CEO of IWG, shared the company's next steps in solidifying its presence in this dynamic sector, moving beyond traditional office spaces in corporate districts. 

The big innovation is the Regus Express concept, inspired by convenience-driven business models—similar to the recent expansion of OXXO in Brazil, which focuses on small markets with convenience products and a dense network of strategic locations. According to Alves, Regus aims to bring coworking spaces to high-traffic locations such as airports, shopping malls, supermarkets, and even train and subway stations. This initiative is designed for professionals constantly on the move who need an efficient workspace while waiting for flights or between appointments. 

The focus on executive professionals is clear. Airport coworking spaces, for instance, were developed to solve the lack of a functional environment for business travelers. “We are always attuned to the demands of the modern market, adapting our models to offer spaces that truly add value to people’s daily lives,” explains Tiago Alves. He also emphasizes that Regus workspaces go far beyond free VIP lounges, which, according to him, do not meet the real needs of professionals seeking a fully equipped and functional work environment. 

Beyond airports, Regus is also making strong investments in shopping malls, transforming vacant spaces into fully structured coworking hubs. For Regus, shopping malls provide an ideal work environment due to their security and additional amenities, such as food courts, parking, and healthcare services. “Some malls have strategically placed coworking spaces, even between luxury brand stores, making the environment even more appealing to users,” Alves noted, citing a recent example at Shopping Flamboyant in Goiânia, which gained widespread attention.