I’ve been so inspired, as I’m sure you have too, by the stories of local businesses pivoting to save themselves and their employees at this challenging time. And even better when that pivot offers a solution to new challenges the rest of us are facing, and for many that’s working and schooling from home. These clever new Pop Up Desks are the perfect example, and they look good too!
They’re the brainchild of DisplayWise, a market leader in the events and exhibitions space. “For almost 20 years we have built displays for some of Australia’s most well known brands, however recent events have obviously shattered our entire industry and led to most of our business opportunities evaporating overnight,” said group marketing director Lisa Cachia.
“As a team, we watched as doors around us continued to close. We put our heads together and thought what can we do, what can we make that is going to be useful and add value during these challenging times?
“Noting that many offshore supplies were limited, and with more and more people either working or studying from home, we realised that a range of high quality, locally manufactured desks would provide many Australians with a solution to their new home office needs.”
With skills in industrial design, a full manufacturing facility and a team of people ready and willing to work, they quickly set about turning the concept into a reality. In the space of a few days, they had designed, tested, produced and taken to market a range of desks. “We also created a new brand, Pop Up Desks, along with a suite of marketing materials including brochures and a new website.”
The Scandi-inspired desks not only look great, they are highly functional. Purposefully designed to be easy to assemble (from just six pieces), they can ‘pop up’ in a matter of minutes and require no screws. Knowing that many people lack space or a permanent office set-up, the desks can also ‘pop down’ and be stored flat when not required, even for the weekend!
From $179 and shipping Australia wide, they’re made of high quality MDF with a choice of laminate finishes and come in adult and junior size or a standing version. The range is growing every week as the brand responds to requests for different sizes and configurations.
“Most importantly, all of our products are designed and made in Australia, supporting local jobs in these unprecedented times,” Lisa says.
“As a business, great design is key to everything we do. Whether we are building a two-story exhibition stand, or a piece of home office furniture, we apply the same design principals and attention to detail in our work. This innovative, unique design is testament to our drive to make products that not only look amazing but are of a high quality and are extremely functional.”
They’ve been thrilled with the response from customers and the media. “Businesses need to diversify and adapt to survive,” Lisa says. “Whether you are an alcohol manufacturer that has pivoted to produce much needed hand sanitiser, or a fine dining restaurant that now offers takeaway, those that are able to think outside the square will stand a much greater chance of succeeding.
“There have been so many examples of these businesses in the media in recent weeks, I think it’s testament to the Aussie spirit and our determination to stick together and get through this crisis.”
