Every shopper wants the same thing—quick trips, fully stocked shelves, and clear pricing. Every grocer wants the same thing, too: efficient operations, growing basket sizes, and loyal customers. UNFI Essentials bridges those goals with practical solutions that help independent retailers run better stores and deliver standout customer experiences.
These aren’t just services that make your job easier (though they do). These are tools that directly improve what your customers see, feel, and experience in your store every day.
Here are five UNFI Essentials services that can make a real difference for your business and your shoppers.
1. Smarter Assortment Planning
Because your customers want what they need—right when they need it
No one likes walking into a store only to find their favorite product missing. With UNFI’s assortment planning tools, you get data-driven insights into what’s selling, what’s not, and what your shoppers want more of. That means better product placement, fewer out-of-stocks, and a shopping experience that feels more curated and consistent.
For example, using tools like Scan Advantage, retailers can identify top-performing items and remove slow movers, freeing up space and driving margin. This helps shoppers find what they love faster and leaves less room for frustration.
2. Shelf Tags and Signage
Because pricing should be clear and confidence-inspiring
Have you ever seen a shopper put something back because they weren’t sure of the price? It happens more than you think. UNFI’s shelf tag and signage solutions ensure that customers always see accurate pricing, promotional savings, and useful product information at the shelf.
For stores, this reduces errors, minimizes staff time spent fixing tags, and improves compliance. For shoppers, it builds trust, encourages purchase, and saves them time.
3. Digital Coupons
Because saving money should be easy and rewarding
With UNFI Digital Coupons, you can give your customers personalized discounts right at their fingertips. The system is fast, integrated, and effective; shoppers who engage with digital coupons tend to spend more and return more often.
These aren’t just random offers. They’re curated to reflect shopper behavior, preferences, and habits, making the promotions more meaningful and increasing redemption rates. Your customers feel rewarded, and you grow loyalty and sales at the same time.
4. Coupon and Payment Processing
Because simple transactions make better impressions
UNFI’s Coupon Processing and Payment Services are designed to keep checkout lines moving and backend operations smooth. Shoppers want fast, seamless transactions, and when coupons are misread or card terminals glitch, they notice.
UNFI removes the friction. From no-fee coupon processing with fast reimbursements to cost-saving card processing options, these services help stores simplify the process while saving money. And when checkout is fast and accurate, shoppers leave with a good last impression—which matters just as much as the first.
5. Store Operations and Mapping
Because flow, layout, and consistency drive loyalty
Store layout impacts how customers shop and how much they spend. UNFI Essentials includes Store Mapping services that help grocers rethink product placement, department flow, and aisle organization.
When your store layout matches the way people shop, it feels more natural and welcoming. That means fewer bottlenecks, more time spent browsing, and higher engagement with high-margin areas like deli or seasonal displays.
Pair that with back-end tools that simplify ordering and inventory, and your store becomes a more responsive, shopper-friendly environment.
Why UNFI Essentials Works
Each of these services is strong on its own. But together, they form a foundation for long-term success. They help you:
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Make smarter decisions based on real data
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Offer a better in-store experience
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Save time, money, and staffing resources
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Build loyalty through clarity and value
Most importantly, they center on your customer, because when you serve them better, they come back.
Explore all five UNFI Essentials services and see how they fit your store’s needs: https://go.unfi.com/essentials