Universal Companies Acquires Retail Resource À la Mode

Spa supplier Universal Companies has acquired À la Mode Partners, a retail resource focused on spa retail products and marketing. À la Mode Partners—the brainchild of Founder and CEO Tracie Wertz and Chief Marketing Officer Bill Barczy—will bring a collective 40 years of retail expertise and products to the Abingdon, Virginia, spa supplier.

“À la Mode is a perfect fit for Universal Companies, and we are thrilled to welcome them, ” says Universal Companies CEO Brenda Elliott. “Bringing Tracie and Bill on board will enhance our mission of delivering innovative spa solutions to maximize our customers’ success. Their background and knowledge in the spa and resort industry, combined with the expansive retail collection they bring with them, will help our customers embrace retail sales and increase their profits like never before.”

Wertz says, “We want to be your retail partner. Our goal is to help you drive incremental, profitable revenue. We can quickly diagnose and overcome your retail challenges to provide you with immediate and long-term solutions and measurable growth. And when we help you become better at retail, you’ll have more time to focus on the rest of your business.”

À la Mode offers four levels of consulting services, from complimentary assessment to full-blown, custom corporate consulting. In addition to retail guidance, À la Mode and Universal Companies will be the retail resource for approximately 75 emerging, trendy, and eco-chic brands outside of skin care that inspire spontaneous purchases, client retention, and consumer connection.

Universal Companies customers will get their first look at the new retail offerings when the 2016 edition of The Spa Resource Book is launched next spring. Call 800-558-5571 or email twertz@universalcompanies.com or bbarczy@universalcompanies.com for more information.

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