A Fortune 500 automotive retailer needed a smarter uniform program. Here’s how UniFirst delivered across more than 160 locations, nearly 8,000 associates, and a seven-year partnership.
As a large retailer of used vehicles in the United States, the organization serves millions of customers annually across more than 160 locations nationwide. With a well-earned place on Fortune’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For,” the company holds its associate experience to a high standard. When its uniform program started falling short of that standard, leadership knew it was time for a change.
Challenge: Inconsistency, low morale, and hidden costs
Their existing uniform service had accumulated a set of challenges that, taken together, needed to be solved.
The most visible issue was image. Across its hundreds of stores, uniforms looked inconsistent and outdated. Associates didn’t feel confident or comfortable in what they were wearing, and that had a direct effect on morale and retention, two things management cares deeply about as an employer of choice.
But the challenges weren’t only cosmetic. On the operational side, the company was dealing with high ancillary charges that were inflating overall program costs and inventory mismanagement that made it difficult to keep the right garments in the right places at the right times. These inefficiencies added friction to everyday operations and made it hard for leadership to get a clear picture of what the uniform program actually costs.
For a company that prides itself on efficiency and associate satisfaction, this combination of quality concerns, cost overruns, and image inconsistency was unacceptable. They needed a uniform service partner who could solve all of it and prove it with numbers.
Solution: A custom uniform program built around people
Custom-Designed Automotive Uniforms
Associates Had a Voice
A Nationwide Rollout Executed in Three Weeks
Seamless Store Grand Opening Support
Smarter Program Management Through Technology
Impact: Happier associates, cleaner operations, and 20% in annual savings
Improved morale & comfort
Associate morale and comfort improved as a direct result of the new custom uniform design and the inclusive selection process.
Cohesive brand identity
Brand image became unified across hundreds of locations, reinforcing the company’s identity as a professional, trustworthy retailer of used vehicles.
Reduced costs
Ancillary charges were brought under control, eliminating the cost leakage that had been inflating program spend.
20% annual cost savings
The organization achieved a 20% annual cost savings on their uniform program, a significant result for any Fortune 500 company managing garments at this scale.
20%
in annual uniform program savings
Conclusion: The right uniform program makes a measurable difference
This success story is a clear demonstration of what a well-structured, technology-enabled uniform program can do for a large organization. When uniform service is treated as a strategic investment rather than a commodity purchase, the results speak for themselves: better associate experience, stronger brand consistency, and real, quantifiable savings.
If your business is dealing with inconsistent image, rising program costs, or inventory challenges, this story offers a useful blueprint. The right partner brings more than garments to the table. They bring expertise, technology, and a commitment to your total cost of ownership.
Ready to see what a smarter uniform program could look like for your organization? Explore UniFirst’s approach to Total Cost of Ownership and discover how a custom uniform service, from purpose-built uniform shirts to durable uniform pants, can drive results across your entire operation. Connect with UniFirst today to get started.
