Over the years, dot com companies have struggled to establish a presence in the ‘real’ world, to remind potential customers of their existence outside the confinements of a computer screen.
Online travel company Expedia.com has come up with an interesting solution: build ‘wired’ cafés at airports, where, after all, every passer-by could be an existing or potential Expedia customer. Each café table has a ‘road warrior’ station, with phone jacks, free internet access and electrical outlets for devices and recharging cell phones.
The first Expedia Café opened its doors in San Jose Airport in 2001, and a second one in Los Angeles International Airport last year. The food, beverage and retail services are provided by HMSHost Corp.
