Tours show off quirky culture at Zappos
08.05.11
HENDERSON, Nev. —Michelle Lalonde beamed in the manner of a Vegas tourist about to polish off a yard-long margarita. Only there was no tequila — or neon or showgirls — in
sight.
She and her business partner, Adriana De Luca, had arrived at one of the Las Vegas area's more offbeat, and increasingly popular, attractions: an hour-long tour of cubicles. Oh, and a lunchroom too.
The online shoe and apparel retailer Zappos leads as many as 1,200 visitors a month through its suburban Las Vegas headquarters, translating its quirky customs for the overworked, underpaid suit-and-tie masses. "Culture guides" (no tour
guides here) offer witticisms, some history and a shot at modeling a samurai helmet.
Like many tourgoers, Lalonde and De Luca were fans of "Delivering Happiness," Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh's bestseller. The back cover hints at the company's offbeat appeal. No. 1 on a list of 10 reasons to buy it: "This book makes an excellent
fire-starter."
Source: Kansas.com