Innovating, freshening up offerings

With a new president and CEO at the helm, Uniprix is looking to “shake things up a bit.”

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On Feb. 2, Philippe Duval officially assumed the role of president and CEO of the Uniprix Group — just the third person to hold that title in the 35 year history of the company — succeeding François Castonguay, who stepped down last August after 20 years.

Having served as president and CEO of the The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) until 2013 and as GM of the Society for the Celebration of Montréal’s 375th Anniversary until January of this year, Duval brings to the table a wealth of management and retail experience.

“I came on board on Feb. 2,” he told DSN. “Let’s just say I’m in listening mode, and there’s plenty to learn,” Duval said. “It’s a very competitive market out there right now. No one can afford to run on autopilot because market share doesn’t come easily. That’s why the Uniprix Group has chosen to innovate [and] freshen up our offering and shake things up a bit.”

One development that Duval is especially excited about is its exclusive agreement to bring the Daniele Henkel To Go beauty concept to Uniprix.

The concept launched in February in Kirkland and is now available in 20 locations with more planned in coming months.

A free-standing space featuring a lounge chair invites men and women to relax and enjoy 10- to 30-minute sessions for the face, décolleté or hands.

The Daniele Henkel To Go franchise features the anti-aging LPG Endermolift technology. Certified and trained at the Daniele Henkel Academy, Uniprix beauty consultants service their clientele by evaluating their skin, and prescribing and providing targeted, express anti-aging treatments.