April 2026
A Memory That Shaped George Walkers
By Michelle Maitland
One of the memories that truly shaped the direction of George Walkers began with an unexpected phone call from Deloitte. They were moving out of their massive city headquarters and had six floors of custom-made, multi-coloured office furniture that no one else wanted to handle. At the time, it felt like a huge gamble. The furniture was unusual and the scale of the job was daunting …. but we decided to take the leap and made an offer. Walking into that building for the first time was unforgettable. It was enormous, with stairwells like a maze and even a rooftop bar overlooking the city. It was our first time working in a space of that magnitude, and the logistics alone were a challenge. In true George Walkers style, it became a family effort. Our staff brought their families, and our own family pitched in, too. For an entire week, we worked late into the night - sometimes until 2am - slowly emptying six floors of furniture, piece by piece. It was exhausting, chaotic, and a little bit crazy. But it was also the moment we realised the true opportunity in office furniture and the power of working together to make the "impossible" happen. Looking back, that job didn’t just clear out a building… it launched a whole new chapter for George Walkers.
Chair of the Month Spotlight
Okamura Portone – Premium Comfort for $250
Looking for a chair that delivers serious comfort without the hefty price tag? Meet our Chair of the Month: the Okamura Portone.
Produced by leading Japanese manufacturer Okamura, the Portone is designed for all-day productivity. It features a breathable mesh back, supportive lumbar design, and smooth ergonomic adjustments that move with you as you work.
Why people love it:
• Supportive Ergonomic Design: Tailored to your body.
• Breathable Mesh: Keeps you cool and comfortable.
• Japanese Engineering: Renowned for quality and precision.
• Modern Aesthetic: A sleek look for any office.
Why $250 is a bargain:
Chairs of this calibre typically retail for $1,200+. This is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your workspace for a fraction of the usual price.
Comfort, quality, and value - all in one chair.
Commercial vs. Retail: What’s the Difference?
Commercial office chairs are engineered to a much higher standard than typical "big box" store chairs. Here is the breakdown:
Built for the Long Haul
Retail chairs are often meant for occasional use. Commercial chairs are built for 8–10 hours of daily use and feature:
• Steel or aluminium frames (instead of light plastic).
• High-density foam that retains its shape.
• Heavy-duty gas lifts and mechanisms.
Superior Ergonomics
Cheap chairs usually offer basic height adjustments. High-end commercial chairs provide:
• Adjustable lumbar support and seat depth.
• Tilt tension and locking positions.
• 3D or 4D armrests to reduce shoulder strain.
Proven Lifespan
Cheap Retail Chair - 1–3 Years
Commercial Office Chair - 8–15 Years
The Bottom Line:
This is why a used commercial chair will almost always outperform a brand-new cheap one. The underlying engineering is simply on a different level.
Form vs. Function: Why "Pretty" Isn't Always Better
Buying office furniture based solely on appearance can lead to significant practical and financial headaches. While aesthetics matter, ignoring function often impacts productivity, health, and long-term costs.
Here is why:
1. Reduced Productivity: Furniture that looks good but doesn’t suit the task slows people down. If the furniture doesn't match the workflow, employees spend time working around it rather than with it.
2. Poor Ergonomics & Health: Stylish furniture often sacrifices support. Low-quality designs can lead to back and neck pain, fatigue, and increased sick leave. Ergonomics are critical when employees spend 6–8 hours a day at their stations.
3. Inefficient Use of Space: Furniture not designed with space planning in mind creates cluttered walkways and wasted floor area. Functional furniture supports flow and flexibility.
4. Employee Dissatisfaction: A beautiful office that is uncomfortable to work in can hurt morale.
The George Walkers Advantage:
This is where refurbished commercial furniture shines. Most of it was originally engineered for durability and high-level function in corporate environments, not just for "the look."
A Little Office Surprise
Hiding behind our office chairs and keeping an eye on things.
Can you spot her?
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