The UNIFIX brand has a rich history in the fastener and fixing industry, servicing a wide variety of trades, and spanning more than 50 years. Now, in an exciting move, the comprehensive range has been extended, with the launch of new Trade bag packaging.
Emblazoned with the unmistakable UNIFIX logo, the Trade bag range was officially launched in May, and covers popular products and sizes from a wide selection of fasteners and fixings. “We are the biggest importer of fasteners in the UK and we need to make sure we are at the forefront of the industry,” explains Tony Williams, sales director at Owlett-Jaton.
“Our new Trade bag range underlines this commitment, as we have ensured the quality of the bag is of the highest level.”
In-depth research into every specification of the bag – with a global leading bag manufacturer – has guaranteed that the UNIFIX Trade bag is strong and robust using the latest polymer technology, as well as being re-sealable, drop-proof, water resistant, and easy to identify.
In addition to the Trade bag, UNIFIX has also introduced a Retail range that offers a similar offering as the Trade bag, but conveniently available in small pack quantities, as well as an Ironmongery range that covers a comprehensive selection, including door, gate and lock furniture, and accessories.
“All three work together well, which means that if you are stocking these items you can mix and match, and they work combined or individually,” mentions Tony. “The entire branded range offers an even bigger and better product selection than ever before, enabling customers to answer all of their needs from one source.”
Meeting the needs of the industry
The introduction of the UNIFIX Trade bag is due to a change within the industry over the last couple of years, with stockholders expanding their trade counters and introducing merchandisers – making it a more retail environment.
“The vast majority of our business is bulk, and we will continue to provide the reliable and dependable boxes that we have always done,” points out Tony. “This new bag concept is for those customers looking to move away from the traditional trade counter layout and who are introducing a retail area for customers. For this type of environment our new Trade bags offer clear benefits – they undoubtedly look better and really catch the eye of customers. You can immediately see the products you need and they lend themselves far more to promoting those impromptu sales and buys.”
Tony continues: “With the bags, the first thing you see is the products and then the UNIFIX logo; it makes it quick and easy for the customer.”
Supporting the transition
The Trade, Retail and Ironmongery bag ranges are supported by a variety of merchandisers – in different formats and configurations, which can be tailored to an individual customer’s needs. “The beauty of the different bags is they all link together well. You can have numerous and differing layouts – the possibilities are almost endless,” states Tony. “We can also help the customer specify the range and adapt it to suit their requirements. It is about giving the customer the ability to kit their shop out to their own specific requirements.”
The different merchandiser options result in the UNIFIX range looking almost military in its precision – with every bag in perfect line. “When you see a merchandiser with UNIFIX bags in faultless formation, it is very impressive,” says Tony. “Our customers wanted something with a higher visual impact that would gain the attention of their customers and the new Trade bag range undoubtedly delivers.”
The pricing for the new packaging range has also been simplified. All quantities have been put together using a price point, with each price band having a set price. “When you have a range of fasteners it becomes a little more difficult to come up with consistent pricing. A customer doesn’t want to label each bag up or weigh products,” says Tony. “We are always looking to make our customers’ lives easier. That is why each bag has a price band letter included on it; a price board on the merchandiser then lists all the price band letters and set costs. This makes it easier for everyone to see the prices and understand what they are getting.”
Another important part of the new packaging range is that it offers an easy and efficient stock cleansing option for customers. Tony explains: “We identified this issue and we have come up with a solution that is now part of the service. So in addition to helping with the formatting of the merchandisers, we can also help with the transition to just one brand – UNIFIX.”
Strength in depth
A key benefit of the UNIFIX Trade bag range is that it is supported by a vast selection of products all available from stock. “Already we can offer over 1,000 lines in the new Trade bags and we will continue to add new products depending on customers’ requirements,” explains Tony. “Being part of the Hexstone Group gives us access to over 40,000 items in stock in our warehouse. Plus, we have an in-house packaging facility, which means we can add a new product to the Trade bag range within a matter of days.”
In addition to the extensive product range available, customers can also benefit from a continuity of stock, low minimums, low carriage paid order values, and next day nationwide delivery where applicable, as well as the high service level that runs throughout the Hexstone Group. “The UNIFIX bagged ranges are available from all Hexstone companies,” points out Tony.
Tony concludes: “UNIFIX is a strong and recognised brand that has been embraced by the market. It is renowned for quality and reliability, which is a reputation you cannot buy; you have to work on it continuously. The new packaging line further underlines the quality of UNIFIX and is a sign that we are listening to our customers and their needs.”
Products available in the Trade bag range include:
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
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