Feng Shui in the Business World

March 19, 1999

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On March 19, 1999, The San Francisco Chronicle published an article on the growing use of feng shui in American businesses to "boost their bottom line." Feng shui, developed over 3000 years ago in rural China, is supposed to "promote well-being by fostering a good flow of ch'i or life-energy through buildings." Several businesses in the San Francisco area, including the clothing company Esprit Corp., report increased profits after the use of feng shui in their buildings. Though none of the feng shui approaches have been scientifically proven, a change in the work environment is undeniable. Glenn Takayama, president of the small biotech firm Lab Vision Corp., stated: "I think I'm more productive now. And everyone comments on the changes to our lobby. They say it's a good feeling to be there and walk through there." Christophe Kubiak, who owns an eatery in San Francisco, stated: "I'm not too much into energy and all that, and I don't want to have a Buddha sitting by every door, but after feng shui, we saw an 80 percent increase in our business."