Summary:
Happy Valley is a leading cannabis company in Massachusetts, known for its high-quality products retailed through exclusive stores in Gloucester and East Boston. As the enterprise grew, maintaining a professional image and meeting strict safety standards became top priorities. Their existing uniform provider, however, was not keeping pace.
The company struggled with inventory mismanagement, leading to frequent uniform shortages and poorly maintained garments. Seeking a dependable partner to optimize their uniform and facility services program, Happy Valley switched to UniFirst.
Challenges: Overcoming operational and financial hurdles
Happy Valley faced several significant challenges with its previous uniform and facility service supplier that were impacting both its budget and daily operations.
- UNIFORM SHORTAGES AND POOR MAINTENANCE:
Garments were not delivered on time, which created disruptions for the workforce. The uniforms that did arrive were often not cleaned or repaired properly, undermining the company’s professional appearance. - UNEXPECTED COSTS AND BILLING ERRORS:
Happy Valley’s invoices frequently included surprise fees, making it difficult to manage their budget. The company was also billed for expensive flame-resistant garments that were not required for their specific operations, adding unnecessary expenses. - LACK OF RESPONSIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE:
The previous supplier failed to provide the responsive service needed to address urgent or last-minute requests. This lack of support created frustration and operational delays, making it clear that a change was necessary.
UniFirst solution: Custom solution for a unique industry
Happy Valley discovered UniFirst through our partnership as the Official Uniform Supply Company of the New England Patriots. Intrigued, they decided to explore our uniform rental services. Our uniform experts conducted a comprehensive VIP Cost Analysis Program®, which focuses on Value, Image, and Price, to assess their needs.
We quickly identified significant cost-saving opportunities, starting with the elimination of unnecessary flame-resistant garments, which they were payng a premium for with their former uniform supplier. UniFirst then developed a customized solution tailored to the distinct business needs of Happy Valley’s retail and cultivation operations.
For their retail storefronts, we provided apparel designed to enhance their professional brand image, including:
- Professional polos and work shirts
- Chef pants
- Professional button-down shirts
For their cultivation facilities, where preventing cross-contamination is critical, we supplied:
- Durable industrial work uniforms
- Essential PPE, including hairnets and shoe covers
Seamless integration resulted in happy customer
The switch to UniFirst was seamless. Thanks to our local service teams, the changeover was executed quickly and efficiently. All employee uniforms were sized and preloaded, ensuring no disruption to Happy Valley’s daily business.
“UniFirst’s responsiveness and willingness to make minor adjustments as needed were highly valued,” said Rusty Tucker, Maintenance Specialist at Happy Valley. “The introduction of custom floor mats and high-quality cleaning supplies further contributed to maintaining a hygienic and presentable retail and office environment.”
The impact: Significant savings and improved operations
Switching to UniFirst delivered measurable improvements across Happy Valley’s entire organization.
50% Reduction in Costs
By transitioning to more appropriate and cost-effective workwear, Happy Valley achieved a remarkable 50% reduction in its total uniform program costs. Prompt cleaning and repair services also eliminated the extra expenses associated with last-minute deliveries.
Enhanced Employee Comfort and Morale
The new uniforms are comfortable and breathable, which is ideal for the warm and humid conditions of the grow rooms. This focus on comfort has boosted worker productivity. Employees also take greater pride in their appearance, leading to a noticeable increase in morale and job satisfaction.
Excellence in Customer Service
With consistent, reliable pickups and deliveries, Happy Valley always has clean uniforms and facility products available when needed. This dependability has allowed their team to focus on core business activities instead of managing supplier issues.
50% Reduction in Costs
By transitioning to more appropriate and cost-effective workwear, Happy Valley achieved a remarkable 50% reduction in its total uniform program costs. Prompt cleaning and repair services also eliminated the extra expenses associated with last-minute deliveries.
Enhanced Employee Comfort and Morale
The new uniforms are comfortable and breathable, which is ideal for the warm and humid conditions of the grow rooms. This focus on comfort has boosted worker productivity. Employees also take greater pride in their appearance, leading to a noticeable increase in morale and job satisfaction.
Excellence in Customer Service
With consistent, reliable pickups and deliveries, Happy Valley always has clean uniforms and facility products available when needed. This dependability has allowed their team to focus on core business activities instead of managing supplier issues.
Conclusion: A trusted partner for future growth
Happy Valley’s partnership with UniFirst has been overwhelmingly positive. The company successfully resolved the persistent issues from its previous supplier and now benefits from a relationship built on reliability, cost-effectiveness, and superior service.
“We appreciate UniFirst’s organized and resourceful approach, which has supported our operational needs extremely well,” said Jason Eliot, Director of Facilities and Engineering at Happy Valley. “As we continue to grow, UniFirst remains a trusted partner in maintaining our professional image and operational efficiency.”
