Holiday Survival Kit: Essential Items for Navigating the Christmas Quarantine
The Lockdown's Silver Lining:
Let's face it, the lockdown has been a drag, but there's a glimmer of hope shining bright, even as we wait for that much-anticipated vaccine. One of the highlights is the emergence of some novel initiatives in Belgium, amidst the spate of business closures. One such shining star is a freshly minted Belgian company, aptly named "The Party Box".
This lively enterprise specializes in delivering Belgian cocktails, aperitifs, and festive celebration packages straight to your doorstep. In a world where gathering for holidays is a distant dream, "The Party Box" aims to help bridge the gap. The company has gained a rapid following, with several individuals and big-name companies, like NATO, Proximus, Touring, ING, SEB, PWC, Securitas, FINTRO, FEB-VBO, and the European Commission signing up in record time, barely three months after its inception.
The brainchild of a young, ambitious 21-year-old KU Leuven student named Liam Guillou, "The Party Box" has taken off like wildfire. "It all began when a financial security company asked us to prepare 4,500 boxes for their annual international end-of-year celebrations," Liam shares. "Since then, the concept has exploded in popularity." Each box comes with an additional thrill - three golden bills hidden in separate boxes for the lucky finders.
Inspired by the legendary "Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory," Liam set up a "Pop-Up Workshop" at the Sheraton Brussels Airport. With the ballroom at his disposal, he ensured that the preparation of the boxes adhered to the strict social distancing norms. With the hospitality industry struggling, Liam employs around 20 student workers who help pack and prepare the boxes each week.
The decline in the number of student jobs in Belgium this summer was substantial, with a third fewer students employed compared to the same period last year, according to a report from the National Social Security Office (ONSS). The drop was primarily due to the hit the hotel and catering sector took. However, "The Party Box" has managed to buck the trend, with DHL now dispatching the boxes worldwide, to exotic destinations like Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, New York, Dubai, and across Europe. Approximately 2,000 boxes will be delivered within Belgium.
To celebrate the Belgian spirit, "The Party Box" includes locally sourced products such as tonic, Belgian chocolates, packaging materials, and shakers. The packaging materials hail from a Belgian supplier. With innovative offerings, smart marketing, and a customer-centric approach, "The Party Box" is a shining example of entrepreneurial spirit despite the challenging times.
- Amidst the struggles of the hospitality industry during the lockdown, the Belgian company "The Party Box" has managed to create a niche for itself, employing around 20 student workers to pack and prepare their festive celebration boxes.
- Each "The Party Box" delivery includes locally sourced products like Belgian chocolates and tonic, showcasing the Belgian spirit while supporting local businesses during challenging times.
- With smart marketing strategies and a focus on customer centricity, "The Party Box" has gained a rapid following, even securing corporate clients such as NATO, Proximus, Touring, ING, SEB, PWC, Securitas, FINTRO, FEB-VBO, and the European Commission.
- The financial sector's reliance on "The Party Box" for their end-of-year celebrations demonstrates the company's success in bridging the gap for food-and-drink during the lockdown, even expanding their business globally with DHL deliveries to destinations like Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York.
