All about UOE
UOE has a rich and vibrant history dating back to 1983 that has seen us evolve from a typewriter and adding machine maintenance company to the thriving retail and Post Office business we are today. Our journey has been marked by dedication to our core values of "trusted expert" and being the "hub of our community" and significant milestones that have shaped our growth have been very much aligned with them.
In the early 1990s, Elliot Jacobs joined UOE as a 'Saturday Sales Assistant,' gaining invaluable experience within UOE's single retail shop. After a brief departure to explore the computer games and financial software industry, Elliot returned to UOE in 1998 with a vision. He acquired the company from its previous owners and initiated the launch of our B2B division alongside our existing retail stationery business.
Over the years, UOE experienced consistent growth through embracing innovation. In 2014, we expanded into Post Office franchising, a decision that proved pivotal for our company. In just five years, from 2014 to 2019, we expanded from one to seven branches, a remarkable feat in itself. In 2018, we won the award for "Best Independent Post Office," a testament to our commitment to excellence and customer service.
In 2019, as part of our strategic evolution, we divested our B2B division in a trade sale to Quills Group. This decision allowed us to focus our efforts on the continued growth of our retail and Post Office business. Today, UOE proudly operates eight retail stores and Post Offices, employing approximately 60 dedicated staff members who serve over 1.5 million customers every year.
Our vision for the future is bold and ambitious. We aim to be the leading independent operator of Stationery & Gift stores with Post Offices in the UK. Our next phase of growth involves scaling up to 30+ stores within the next 3-5 years, underscoring our commitment to providing exceptional products and services to an even broader audience.
Our core values, which include a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, innovation, and community engagement, drive us forward every day. With a heritage deeply rooted in excellence and a future full of promise, UOE Store is dedicated to delivering quality and value to all our customers.
Growth and Achievements
Our categories reflect our commitment to providing a diverse and comprehensive range of products and services to our valued and varied customers. We've seen remarkable success and expansion in several key areas that align with our "everything you need and lots of things you'll want" approach.
- **Stationery and Post Office Essentials**: Our core range centres around offering a wide selection of stationery and Post Office essentials , ensuring we have everything they need to get their work done.
- **Greetings Cards and Gifts**:we've curated an amazing selection of greetings cards sourced from UK designers (many hand-finished) and a unique gift range generally at an under £10-12 price point. We've created a real destination for customers seeking that perfect card or a thoughtful gift for any occasion. This category has witnessed significant growth as we continue to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of our customer base.
- **Crafting and Creative Supplies**: For the creative souls and DIY enthusiasts, we offer an extensive range of crafting supplies. This category has grown as more customers have discovered the joy of unleashing their creativity through our products. We're a hub for crafters, providing them with the materials and inspiration they need.
- **In-Branch Services**: In addition to our product offerings, our in-branch services have been a significant contributor to our growth. Services such as photo printing, copying, finishing, laser key cutting, and more are designed to make our stores a one-stop shop for various needs. We aim to be a convenient and reliable solution for our customers.
As we look to the future, we are dedicated to constantly evolving our range and offerings. The year ahead holds exciting plans for all our categories, which will include further expansion and innovation. We are committed to staying at the forefront of our industry by adapting to changing customer preferences and staying in tune with the latest trends.
Successful Shortlisting
Being shortlisted for the BOSS Awards 2023 Independent Retailer category is an incredible honour for the entire team at UOE. This recognition is significant because it reflects our resilience and dedication during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and our successful return to business as usual!
As a Post Office operator, we were deemed critical infrastructure providers and our team was recognised as key workers. We remained open every day, serving our community without fail. This shortlisting reaffirms our commitment to our customers and acknowledges our ability to adapt and grow even in adversity. We're back now, expanding our business with new branches and services and (hopefully) winning awards too! That just feels great!
Tell us more
There are a few unique aspects of our company's journey that we'd like to emphasise:
- **Community-Centric Approach**: At the heart of UOE Store's success is our deep-rooted commitment to the communities we serve. We take pride in our role as a local retailer and Post Office operator. Our stores are not just places of business; they are hubs for community engagement, support, and connection.
- **Sustainability Initiatives**: We are dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our efforts include reducing waste, sourcing eco-friendly products, using 100% green electricity and actively participating in initiatives that promote a greener future. We are conscious of our impact on the environment and are committed to minimizing it.
- **Employee Development**: Our team is our most valuable asset. We believe in investing in the growth and development of our employees. Many of our team members have been with us for years, which creates a strong sense of loyalty and camaraderie within our organization. We are proud to support their career growth and personal development. This year we started involving our team members in product selection - which has proved a great success in picking the best products and engaging the team in their sell-through.
- **Innovation and Technology**: UOE Store is not just a traditional retailer; we embrace innovation and technology. We've integrated modern solutions to enhance the customer experience and constantly invest in technology to enhance the customer and employee experience.
- **Customer-Centric Services**: We actively seek feedback from our customers and continuously adapt our offerings to meet their evolving needs. We believe in staying attuned to the pulse of our community to provide the best possible service and in 2024 plan to roll-out customer focus groups to help us identify new market opportunities too.
- **Future Plans**: Looking ahead, we are excited about our plans for the future. We have ambitious goals to scale up our operations, opening more stores and expanding our product and service offerings. This is part of our vision to become the leading independent operator of Stationery & Gift stores with Post Offices in the UK.
