Since 1995, Unichairs has been in the business of outfitting establishments in the hospitality industry with contemporary and classic designs. So, who’s behind the company?
We sat down with Richard Marcolini, president of Unichairs, and asked him some industry questions to find out what got he started in the industry, how he got the company to be where it’s at today, and where he plans to take things with Unichairs in the future.
What got you into the business of Contract Furniture?
I got into the business after seeing how much the demand for contract/hospitality has grown over the years. And being heavily involved with the design and manufacturing in the retail sector made the transition to opening Unichairs a seamless one.
How has the contract furniture business changed in the last 10 years?
Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen the demand for the contract furniture business explode each year, with more and more consumers experiencing different and more unique hotels and restaurants.
What drives you to develop great contract furniture?
Our drive to develop amazing contact furniture stems from our desire to be a leader in current design.
What are your interested markets?
Primarily, our target markets are North and South America.
How has the US trade policies changed for your business in the US?
Even with recent changes in US trade policies, business at Unichairs has not been affected.
Does Unichairs work a lot with architects and designers or business owners?
Our key accounts lie with architects and designers.
Has Unichairs ever developed a collection that didn’t work, and if so, how did you make it work?
Yes, we’ve had collections that weren’t ‘North American’ in taste. We were able to redesign, rebuild, and remarket all of our products to suit the needs and tastes of all valued clients.
What have been your most proud business relationships?
Today, we boast a number of big-ticket business deals and have been chosen to work with a number of interesting people and businesses across the globe. We’ve been tasked with developing custom projects for the likes of the Pentagon, Starbucks, TAO Group, Marriott, Hilton, and many others.
What other kinds of services do you offer at Unichairs?
Unichairs is a multi-faceted company that provides a number of services, including:
- Consultations on quality, design, and layouts
- Special finishes
- Custom products
- Build to customer’s demand
- Product selection
What trade shows does Unichairs participate in?
We are active in the trade show realm, having participated in trade shows in:
- Toronto
- Chicago
- New England
- Florida
- New York
Are you up-to-date with contract materials and trends?
Yes, Unichairs has always been up-to-date and forward with current and upcoming trends.
Does Unichairs offer warranty, and what type?
Yes, we have a 2 to 5 year warranty on all frames and custom projects.
What’s next for Unichairs?
We are very active in the Canadian market, but are working on expanding and opening more warehouses in the US.
There’s no doubt that Unichairs and the professionals behind the company will take their US expansion to new levels!