Today’s challenges require more than just strategic thinking, they require us to think differently – OUTSIDE the Box.
Our success has much to do with our unconventional approach, always searching for a new perspective. We consistently challenge the “accepted" so we can get to places we have never been. When others see boundaries and limitations, we see opportunities for fresh and creative solutions.
What's OUTSIDE the Box for you?
Universal is a global, custom designer and manufacturer of semi-
permanent and permanent merchandising displays and retail
environment solutions. With over 50 years experience, Universal’s
capabilities combine creative and engineered designs with full-service
manufacturing and distribution facilities. Our process delivers well-
tested, captivating solutions, which drive measurable results for iconic
brands worldwide. We partner with our customers to design unique,
innovative merchandising solutions that build brand awareness, attract
shoppers’ attention and deliver winning results at retail.
FACTS.
FOUNDED
1962
OWNERSHIP
100% PRIVATELY OWNED
PEOPLE
300+ GLOBALLY
FACILITY LOCATIONS
LEWISVILLE, TX
FLOWER MOUND, TX
CHINA
MEXICO
TAIWAN
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
ENGLISH
SPANISH
MANDARIN
INDUSTRY AFFILIATIONS
POPAI (USA)
POPAI GREATER CHINA
PATH TO PURCHASE INSTITUTE
DFW MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
GREATER DALLAS HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SERVICES OFFERED
MERCHANDISING STRATEGY
RETAIL SOLUTION RECOMMENDATIONS
DESIGN
ENGINEERING
PROTOTYPING & TESTING
ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
MANUFACTURING
QUALITY ASSURANCE
CUSTOMER SERVICE
LOGISTICS
MATERIALS & SUBSTRATES
ACRYLIC
FLAT PANEL WOOD
GRAPHICS
HIGH END WOOD FINISHING
INDUSTRIAL NICKEL
PLASTICS
POWDER COATING
SHEET METAL
STAINING/VARNISHING
STEEL WIRE
WOOD/MDF
VINYL
ZINC PLATING
APPROACH.
What's OUTSIDE the Box?
The starting point is identifying the “nuggets” of opportunity for improvement in our customers’ merchandising strategies and market execution.
We ask each customer what success looks like for them and help to establish their merchandising strategy, plan and objectives.
We get out in the market to see what is actually happening. We study the retail landscape and identify opportunities for our customers.
Our in-house designers create original concepts or refine existing ideas. We are not afraid to push “outside the box” to deliver creative solutions that exceed expectations.
We design with the end in mind from the beginning, considering materials, process, and implementation to ensure success at retail.
Strategically located facilities provide global production, warehousing, and distribution options for successful in-store execution.
WORK.
Bear Archery Crossbow Display
Glowing bright, orange edge-glow acrylic grabs the hunter’s attention over all the other clutter in the store. The display connects with any shopper looking for fun or sport. The customer is compelled to pick up the crossbow from the display and test it for proper fit and size. The display has a technically advanced look and provides an area for displaying accessories.
Dimensions: 40”w x 36”d x 72”h
Materials: Sheet metal, wood, acrylic and magnetic graphics
Bear Archery Crossbow Display
Glowing bright, orange edge-glow acrylic grabs the hunter’s attention over all the other clutter in the store. The display connects with any shopper looking for fun or sport. The customer is compelled to pick up the crossbow from the display and test it for proper fit and size. The display has a technically advanced look and provides an area for displaying accessories.
Dimensions: 40”w x 36”d x 72”h
Materials: Sheet metal, wood, acrylic and magnetic graphics
Hershey Ice Cream Destination
Personifying the nostalgic ice cream sundae shops and modeling the candy toppings in a free-fall in larger-than-life perspective commanded shopper's attention. It connected with their innovative ideas for using Hershey's toppings in conjunction with frozen treats. Our call to action and close to the sale was a simple command to "Top it off!" which efficiently described exactly what the shopper could, and should, do with these two products.
Dimensions: 45”w x 18”d x 89”h
Materials: wood, sheet metal, magnetic graphics, clear acrylic, 3D molded foam
Hershey Ice Cream Destination
Personifying the nostalgic ice cream sundae shops and modeling the candy toppings in a free-fall in larger-than-life perspective commanded shopper's attention. It connected with their innovative ideas for using Hershey's toppings in conjunction with frozen treats. Our call to action and close to the sale was a simple command to "Top it off!" which efficiently described exactly what the shopper could, and should, do with these two products.
Dimensions: 45”w x 18”d x 89”h
Materials: wood, sheet metal, magnetic graphics, clear acrylic, 3D molded foam
Starbucks
Daring to be bold, Universal brought brand-weaving to the distinct and ubiquitous Starbucks brand to bring characteristics of their cafe right into the grocery aisle and present their coffees in a ready-to-drink form to shoppers. This in-aisle destination brought the look and feel of a Starbucks cafe into the store through atypical materials for the aisle and quality craftsmanship so the shopper can immediately associate it with a Starbucks cafe.
Dimensions: 48” W x 22” D x 86” H
Materials: Wood framework with sheet metal fronts and header
Starbucks
Daring to be bold, Universal brought brand-weaving to the distinct and ubiquitous Starbucks brand to bring characteristics of their cafe right into the grocery aisle and present their coffees in a ready-to-drink form to shoppers. This in-aisle destination brought the look and feel of a Starbucks cafe into the store through atypical materials for the aisle and quality craftsmanship so the shopper can immediately associate it with a Starbucks cafe.
Dimensions: 48” W x 22” D x 86” H
Materials: Wood framework with sheet metal fronts and header
Snack Factory Premium Wing
We designed and manufactured a permanent home for Pretzel Crisps in the deli section of food retailers. The merchandiser has multiple shelves that are adjustable for different height packaging of the product. This upscale, premium merchandiser connects with the shopper, offering a variety of pretzel snack flavors. The graphic communication on each side: crunch 'em, crack 'em, dip 'em, top 'em calls out to the shopper suggesting snacking ideas, reinforcing "Rethink your pretzel!" We created a one-stop destination for all things PRETZEL!
Dimensions: 24”wx19”dx63.5”h
Materials: sheet metal, wire, wood, acrylic, PVC
Snack Factory Premium Wing
We designed and manufactured a permanent home for Pretzel Crisps in the deli section of food retailers. The merchandiser has multiple shelves that are adjustable for different height packaging of the product. This upscale, premium merchandiser connects with the shopper, offering a variety of pretzel snack flavors. The graphic communication on each side: crunch 'em, crack 'em, dip 'em, top 'em calls out to the shopper suggesting snacking ideas, reinforcing "Rethink your pretzel!" We created a one-stop destination for all things PRETZEL!
Dimensions: 24”wx19”dx63.5”h
Materials: sheet metal, wire, wood, acrylic, PVC
Kickstart 4’ Endcap for Walmart
PepsiCo needed to win endcap space for its new Kickstart brand by Mountain Dew in a neighborhood retailer known for value. We created this 4’ slice endcap to be shopped from 3 sides to feature the maximum offerings of their new flavor variations. The design bent the conventional lines for the retailer, while offering a platform for a multi-seasonal change out program that tied in with national events. The unit displays both single-serve and multi-packs of the Kickstart offerings to establish a destination for multiple shopping occasions. The subtle bow at the front of the display makes it visually appealing and the relevance of the graphics invite the customer trial with the allure of something new.
Dimensions: 48"w x 21"d x 74"h
Materials: sheet steel / tubular steel / wire / PS plastic
Kickstart 4’ Endcap for Walmart
PepsiCo needed to win endcap space for its new Kickstart brand by Mountain Dew in a neighborhood retailer known for value. We created this 4’ slice endcap to be shopped from 3 sides to feature the maximum offerings of their new flavor variations. The design bent the conventional lines for the retailer, while offering a platform for a multi-seasonal change out program that tied in with national events. The unit displays both single-serve and multi-packs of the Kickstart offerings to establish a destination for multiple shopping occasions. The subtle bow at the front of the display makes it visually appealing and the relevance of the graphics invite the customer trial with the allure of something new.
Dimensions: 48"w x 21"d x 74"h
Materials: sheet steel / tubular steel / wire / PS plastic
Mix & Match Next Gen
PepsiCo approached us to create a display to merchandise their Mountain Dew “Next Generation” of premium carbonated soft drink offerings. They wanted the graphics to be minimal but catchy. The product was to be the focal point of the display. The use of black in the structure was to make the display sleek and further speak to the premium nature of the products shown. Using offset shelving, we created a visually pleasing display to market the carbonated beverages and promote mixing and matching of the flavors unique to Mountain Dew.
Dimensions: 22”w x 16"d x 61"h
Materials: sheet steel / tubular steel / wire / PE plastic
Mix & Match Next Gen
PepsiCo approached us to create a display to merchandise their Mountain Dew “Next Generation” of premium carbonated soft drink offerings. They wanted the graphics to be minimal but catchy. The product was to be the focal point of the display. The use of black in the structure was to make the display sleek and further speak to the premium nature of the products shown. Using offset shelving, we created a visually pleasing display to market the carbonated beverages and promote mixing and matching of the flavors unique to Mountain Dew.
Dimensions: 22”w x 16"d x 61"h
Materials: sheet steel / tubular steel / wire / PE plastic
Takis 2ft. FEM
The display is extremely powerful in its ability to visually connect with customers. The cylindrical construction of the left-sided spinner reinforces the product shape – the Takis chip is round and cylindrical - and this resonates with the shopper. The flame POS strips reinforce the brand’s intensity – the snack product offering is “fuego” or hot and spicy. The shelving baskets on the right side provide a segmented space for the multiple flavors of peanuts. The purple powder coat and the towering, beaconing logo break up the monotony in a sea of humdrum fixtures.
Dimensions: 3’w x 2’d x 6’h
Materials: sheet metal, wire, metal tubing, ABS plastic and styrene printed graphics
Takis 2ft. FEM
The display is extremely powerful in its ability to visually connect with customers. The cylindrical construction of the left-sided spinner reinforces the product shape – the Takis chip is round and cylindrical - and this resonates with the shopper. The flame POS strips reinforce the brand’s intensity – the snack product offering is “fuego” or hot and spicy. The shelving baskets on the right side provide a segmented space for the multiple flavors of peanuts. The purple powder coat and the towering, beaconing logo break up the monotony in a sea of humdrum fixtures.
Dimensions: 3’w x 2’d x 6’h
Materials: sheet metal, wire, metal tubing, ABS plastic and styrene printed graphics
Gatorade Pure Play 2x2
The Gatorade Pure Play display is an all-encompassing design that wins at execution, wins for the retailer, and wins for the brand and in-market strategies. It provides a simple-to-execute, incremental in-store media space with the capacity to evolve with Gatorade products. The permanent solution increases Gatorade’s presence outside the standard aisle making it an overall win for the customer and the retailer.
Dimensions: 2’w x 2’d x 4.5’h
Materials: heat bent plastic, sheet metal, wire, metal tubing, and styrene printed graphics.
Gatorade Pure Play 2x2
The Gatorade Pure Play display is an all-encompassing design that wins at execution, wins for the retailer, and wins for the brand and in-market strategies. It provides a simple-to-execute, incremental in-store media space with the capacity to evolve with Gatorade products. The permanent solution increases Gatorade’s presence outside the standard aisle making it an overall win for the customer and the retailer.
Dimensions: 2’w x 2’d x 4.5’h
Materials: heat bent plastic, sheet metal, wire, metal tubing, and styrene printed graphics.
Takis Intensity Dump Bin
As an emerging brand, we needed Takis’s display to be competitive with similar displays found in the front alley of stores near the checklanes. The displays were configured to allow shoppers to grab single bags as well as pre-packaged multi-packs using wire dividers and shelves. By integrating the brand’s recognizable purple into the powder coat and graphics, we further grabbed the customer’s attention. This vivid coloring and Takis’s fire-y logo combined to convey the brand and set the unit apart from competitors’ displays while simultaneously bringing attention to their flavorful products.
Dimensions: 45”w x 45”d x 52”h
Materials: steel, styrene plastic
Takis Intensity Dump Bin
As an emerging brand, we needed Takis’s display to be competitive with similar displays found in the front alley of stores near the checklanes. The displays were configured to allow shoppers to grab single bags as well as pre-packaged multi-packs using wire dividers and shelves. By integrating the brand’s recognizable purple into the powder coat and graphics, we further grabbed the customer’s attention. This vivid coloring and Takis’s fire-y logo combined to convey the brand and set the unit apart from competitors’ displays while simultaneously bringing attention to their flavorful products.
Dimensions: 45”w x 45”d x 52”h
Materials: steel, styrene plastic
Skinny Max Self-Facing Floorstand
Frito-Lay wanted to promote their flexible packaging, single-serve salty-snack offerings in the perimeter of grocery stores and wanted a merchandising vehicle to lift sales. The small, unobtrusive footprint of the display allows for optimal placement around the perimeter of the store making the product readily available for impulse purchase. To keep product constantly front-facing, sturdy pushers were added to each shelf to continuously push the product forward thereby making the display, as well as the product, more attractive to customers
Dimensions: 13”w x 18”d x 58”h
Materials: wire, sheet metal
Skinny Max Self-Facing Floorstand
Frito-Lay wanted to promote their flexible packaging, single-serve salty-snack offerings in the perimeter of grocery stores and wanted a merchandising vehicle to lift sales. The small, unobtrusive footprint of the display allows for optimal placement around the perimeter of the store making the product readily available for impulse purchase. To keep product constantly front-facing, sturdy pushers were added to each shelf to continuously push the product forward thereby making the display, as well as the product, more attractive to customers
Dimensions: 13”w x 18”d x 58”h
Materials: wire, sheet metal
Smartfood POP Display
Frito-Lay asked us to create a permanent solution that would merchandise the premium Smartfood brand. We created a bold, new destination for Smartfood popcorn flavors on a display, setting the brand apart from the competition. Specific footprint details were provided. Frito-Lay wanted to drive excitement for this snack segment and secure incremental space and volume in store. The size and shape of the display allowed for optimal flavor choices to be displayed making the purchase decision simpler for the shopper.
Dimensions: 23”w x 25”d x 60”h
Materials: wire, sheet metal, acrylic
Smartfood POP Display
Frito-Lay asked us to create a permanent solution that would merchandise the premium Smartfood brand. We created a bold, new destination for Smartfood popcorn flavors on a display, setting the brand apart from the competition. Specific footprint details were provided. Frito-Lay wanted to drive excitement for this snack segment and secure incremental space and volume in store. The size and shape of the display allowed for optimal flavor choices to be displayed making the purchase decision simpler for the shopper.
Dimensions: 23”w x 25”d x 60”h
Materials: wire, sheet metal, acrylic
Spytail Rum Rack
The Spytail Rum Rack is a permanent merchandising solution that brings our client's brand to life in store. This display provided the brand’s inaugural launch and the first permanent display in the US. Inspired by the voyages of the deep sea and Jules Verne’s classic tale – “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, the display is extremely powerful in its ability to visually connect with shoppers. The round, industrial nesting shelves provide an unobstructed view of the product and quick access for the impulse buyer.
Dimensions: 2.5’w x 3’d x 6.75’h
Materials: steel, clear PTEG, ABS plastic, wire
Spytail Rum Rack
The Spytail Rum Rack is a permanent merchandising solution that brings our client's brand to life in store. This display provided the brand’s inaugural launch and the first permanent display in the US. Inspired by the voyages of the deep sea and Jules Verne’s classic tale – “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, the display is extremely powerful in its ability to visually connect with shoppers. The round, industrial nesting shelves provide an unobstructed view of the product and quick access for the impulse buyer.
Dimensions: 2.5’w x 3’d x 6.75’h
Materials: steel, clear PTEG, ABS plastic, wire
PEOPLE.
HENRY LEE
Director Of Logistics
JORGE ASENCIO
Senior Accountant
KAREN WILLIAMS
Accounts Payable
HOLLY BIERNACKI
Treasury Manager
Francisco De Jesus
Jr. Project Manager
Cindy Hernandez
Customer Care Associate
Jessica Guerra
Director Of Human Resources
Morgan Chang
GM Assistant – Universal China
Maria Zapata
Customer Care Manager
Thang Vu
Engineer
Patrick Spears
Director Of Engineering
Mitchell Erickson
Account Executive
Tony Rodriquez
Senior Designer
Rosa Rodriguez
Production Data Entry
Nico Rich
Creative Project Manager
Mani Phiavong
Account Manager
Adolph Norton
Senior Director of Operations
Mary Najera
Customer Care Associate
Bill McBride
Account Executive
Chris Lee
Account Executive
Syboney King
3D Designer
Shawn Kerns
Vice President
Jim Kelly
Vice President of Operations
Brian Harned
Production Artist
Brian Ely
Sr Director, Project Manager
Francisco De Jesus
President & CEO
Wilson Chafin
Senior Designer
Joe Battaglia
Executive Vice President
Luis Barbero
Executive Vice President
Julio Arredondo
Engineer
Joe Arispe
Model Shop
