Media Release

Perth start up Popupshopup lights up Elizabeth Quay with first of a kind portable retail Outlet.

Australian start up Popupshopup provides a new and unique solution for accessing retail and commercial space for local and international brands. www.popupshopup.com.au.

Growing up together in the same suburb, Perth residents Ronan Bray, 27, and Daniel Rainone, 25, were constantly coming up with new business ideas and concepts. It was however, a visit to the beach that they first discussed an idea that they have since pursued for the last 3 years. The idea? A portable Outlet that can be used by anyone, anywhere whether it be a retailer in the city one day, a food and beverage operator at the beach the next, or at Elizabeth Quay where their first Outlet is used as a ticket booth today.

“We first came up with the idea around 3 years ago when at the beach. We were after some sunscreen and a drink but wanted it without having to leave the beach. Knowing the over the top price of these items at shops around beaches got us thinking there has to be a better solution. Why not a portable shop right on the beach that anyone including us could operate from?”

Ronan, a Marketing Manager and Graphic Designer by day (and owner/founder of www.jobsandservices.com.au), and Daniel, a Property Developer and Architect, realised their background and skills were perfectly suited to finding the solution.

Above: Popupshopup Directors Ronan Bray (Left) and Daniel Rainone (Right) at their flagship Outlet at Elizabeth Quay (Perth).

The duo went home that night and started sketching up some ideas and from this their 3 year journey began which saw the involvement of architects, engineers, steel fabricators, plumbers, electricians, shop fitters, solar experts and a range of other professions. They soon realised that to find a solution that would incorporate all aesthetic and practical applications in one easy-to-use outlet, was going to be a lot more complex than first thought.

“We never expected that it would as long as it has to see the idea through. That’s not been from a lack of effort as we have worked on it every single day since! Not only has it been the time and energy, but the massive hurdles we had to overcome to get it to where it is today. The cost of the original build was astronomical due to its unique nature and it required us to go back to the drawing board. Once this was addressed, it was then about getting the government on board and doing that with a first of its kind solution was always going to be tough. It took years and multiple attempts but it just shows that persistence pays off when you believe in yourself and your idea”.

The Outlet is the first of many planned and features custom external cladding, glowing LED lights with various colour settings, a unique security system, an air conditioning unit, a sink and plenty of storage and power outlets throughout for items such as televisions, displays, chargers, microwaves and more.

“We are already in discussions with other buyers for a range of other Outlet types including dedicated retail spaces, cafes, offices and commercial kitchens. Your first go at any product is the most important for the lessons you learn, mistakes you make and relationships you gain but it has given us even greater confidence in ourselves and our business”.

While the hard work continued on the Popupshopup ‘Outlet’ they began investigating another niche which appeared during their comprehensive research phase.

“While we were researching the processes and issues faced in our market, we soon realised there wasn’t just an opportunity for creating new and unique space, but also to filling vacant space in standard bricks-and-mortar buildings. We were amazed to learn that in Australia alone there was around $5.4 billion lost in forgone rent annually. There are around 1 in 5 spaces currently vacant in the Perth CBD alone! Since we were already targeting this market, we thought why not extend our solution with a website that promotes these spaces in such amazing locations with individuals and businesses who want to test a product/market/area or launch an event through short term space.”

Their solution not only provides the portal for finding your space but also includes free legals, tailored insurance with a 24 hour turnaround and everything you need to set up and run your shop from staff hire, videographers and photographers, to marketing and design packages with branded bags, changing rooms, coat hangers, storage racks, signs and more. It truly is the one stop shop for pop up shops.

The Popupshopup Spaces side of their business has already seen tremendous success with over 15 real estate companies jumping on board along with the support of numerous councils, private businesses and Universities. They have space available from $1 to $300 per day depending on the type and location and have generated close to $20,000 for one landlord alone from space that was previously sitting vacant for months on end.

Above: International company Godding and Godding experienced success with Popupshopup (source: YouTube)

“Everything we do is about providing a simple and straight forward solution all under the one roof. Airbnb have done it for the rental and holiday market, Uber have done it for the transport network market and we want to do it for retail and commercial leasing market.”

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For more information you can visit, contact and follow Popupshopup at the links below:

Website:
www.popupshopup.com.au

YouTube:
The Popupshopup Outlet at Elizabeth Quay
Pop up shoppin’ with CQUniversity
Pop up shoppin’ – Godding & Godding
Pop up shoppin’ with TRANSART and the City of Perth​

Facebook:
facebook.com/popupshopupaus

Twitter:
popupshopup