Focus on: Uniweb
Space, the final frontier.
For mass retailers, it might just be. With real estate costs and competitive issues combining to put the squeeze on expansion, many merchants are looking for other ways to increase their product selection and give consumers an easier way to choose merchandise. They also are looking for additional ways to give their staff a more efficient and effective place to work.
Enter Uniweb. The Corona, Calif.-based company has a well-earned reputation for finding more space for retailers, around the pharmacy counter, as well as the rest of the store.
“We create new space,” said Ron Mackert, VP and 16-year veteran at the company. “A lack of space can really handcuff a retailer’s ability to maximize sales and profits. We can increase the amount of inventory by an average of 35% more than from traditional fixtures.”
Officials at the 47-year-old business quickly noted that they do not consider themselves just a fixtures operation. Instead, they emphasize that Uniweb is a “solution company,” a firm dedicated to listening to the wants and needs of retailers and developing tailor-made, cost-effective outcomes to their requirements.
“In the end, it is all about saving money and helping to make the retailer more efficient,” Mackert said. “We develop a collaborative relationship with our retail clients and give them a one-stop shop, where they can pick and choose what they need. Our solutions are based on their needs, and our flexibility is designed to help us assist retailers to build unique solutions. In the end, we want to offer our partners all the tools to create the right planogram changes or a faster remodel of their stores.”
The company has long paid particularly close attention to what it offers in the pharmacy area. Uniweb offers a host of products for retailers looking to expand their pharmacy section without any dramatic increase in space allocation. For example, the company offers counter wall fixtures, pharmacy wall fixtures, prescription gondolas, prescription endcaps and prescription-locking units.
One major benefit, Mackert said, is that the Uniweb prescription bay system does not create a break in between bays, but instead allows for continuous inventory shelving. This translates into zero unused space at the panel joint or behind the bays, he said.
He added that the system could increase product storage by a minimum of 17% to 25% and, in some cases, by as much as 50%. The movable 16-in. trays are easy to adjust and can be positioned on the panel to accommodate the tallest bottle.
The company also manufactures complete pre-engineered modular pharmacies that include locking cabinets, under-counter vials, shelves, doors and sinks. The pharmacy can be assembled in 2-to-3 days, is prewired with a UL-Listed modular wiring system and can be tied into the in-store power and plumbing.
While the pharmacy is a big emphasis for Uniweb, it does not stop the company from also offering a wide range of wall fixtures, gondolas, feature endcaps and specialty fixtures for other parts of a store. “We are a one-stop source for retailers,” Mackert said. “We operate from a single-source manufacturing location with a fully integrated program — that means that we handle the product from the raw material stage to the finished product. We own the process and don’t rely on any outside sources.”
Retailers obviously feel comfortable with this company, as well. Mackert said that most of the major chains across the country use Uniweb’s products and services. That success has given the company a sense of confidence that it can use to develop even stronger relationships with existing and new clients.
“I think it is very important to point out that our design service for retailers is free and includes a free set of plans that the client can keep,” Mackert said. “We think that sends a clear message to our retail partners that we go into this as a true partnership. We are here to help both of us be profitable.”
“In the end, I think our reputation helps us stand out from our competition,” Mackert said.” We have worked long and hard to develop the right products and programs with our clients, and that has paid off nicely. But we do not take anything for granted. We are always ready to sit down with our clients and tell them what we are about and ask them what they need from us.”
For mass retailers, it might just be. With real estate costs and competitive issues combining to put the squeeze on expansion, many merchants are looking for other ways to increase their product selection and give consumers an easier way to choose merchandise. They also are looking for additional ways to give their staff a more efficient and effective place to work.
Enter Uniweb. The Corona, Calif.-based company has a well-earned reputation for finding more space for retailers, around the pharmacy counter, as well as the rest of the store.
“We create new space,” said Ron Mackert, VP and 16-year veteran at the company. “A lack of space can really handcuff a retailer’s ability to maximize sales and profits. We can increase the amount of inventory by an average of 35% more than from traditional fixtures.”
Officials at the 47-year-old business quickly noted that they do not consider themselves just a fixtures operation. Instead, they emphasize that Uniweb is a “solution company,” a firm dedicated to listening to the wants and needs of retailers and developing tailor-made, cost-effective outcomes to their requirements.
“In the end, it is all about saving money and helping to make the retailer more efficient,” Mackert said. “We develop a collaborative relationship with our retail clients and give them a one-stop shop, where they can pick and choose what they need. Our solutions are based on their needs, and our flexibility is designed to help us assist retailers to build unique solutions. In the end, we want to offer our partners all the tools to create the right planogram changes or a faster remodel of their stores.”
The company has long paid particularly close attention to what it offers in the pharmacy area. Uniweb offers a host of products for retailers looking to expand their pharmacy section without any dramatic increase in space allocation. For example, the company offers counter wall fixtures, pharmacy wall fixtures, prescription gondolas, prescription endcaps and prescription-locking units.One major benefit, Mackert said, is that the Uniweb prescription bay system does not create a break in between bays, but instead allows for continuous inventory shelving. This translates into zero unused space at the panel joint or behind the bays, he said.
He added that the system could increase product storage by a minimum of 17% to 25% and, in some cases, by as much as 50%. The movable 16-in. trays are easy to adjust and can be positioned on the panel to accommodate the tallest bottle.
The company also manufactures complete pre-engineered modular pharmacies that include locking cabinets, under-counter vials, shelves, doors and sinks. The pharmacy can be assembled in 2-to-3 days, is prewired with a UL-Listed modular wiring system and can be tied into the in-store power and plumbing.
While the pharmacy is a big emphasis for Uniweb, it does not stop the company from also offering a wide range of wall fixtures, gondolas, feature endcaps and specialty fixtures for other parts of a store. “We are a one-stop source for retailers,” Mackert said. “We operate from a single-source manufacturing location with a fully integrated program — that means that we handle the product from the raw material stage to the finished product. We own the process and don’t rely on any outside sources.”
Retailers obviously feel comfortable with this company, as well. Mackert said that most of the major chains across the country use Uniweb’s products and services. That success has given the company a sense of confidence that it can use to develop even stronger relationships with existing and new clients.
“I think it is very important to point out that our design service for retailers is free and includes a free set of plans that the client can keep,” Mackert said. “We think that sends a clear message to our retail partners that we go into this as a true partnership. We are here to help both of us be profitable.”
“In the end, I think our reputation helps us stand out from our competition,” Mackert said.” We have worked long and hard to develop the right products and programs with our clients, and that has paid off nicely. But we do not take anything for granted. We are always ready to sit down with our clients and tell them what we are about and ask them what they need from us.”