Normally renown for its chef wear, including the hugely successful and UNIVATOR-winning 2009 campaign called The Next Generation of Cool, Chef Works is this year touting a POS (Point of Sale) box concept system for culinary uniform retailers.

The Box System simplifies the retailers' workload, making it easier to see what products and which sizes are selling and need restocking. Packaging on every item is attractive, allowing customers to quickly identify their needed products and size. Of course, all products are bar coded to scan at checkout.

A specific Sizing Unit Rack allows customers to "try on" and insure a proper fit, without cluttering stores with unsightly, overfilled racks. The system maximizes the amount of product on the floor yet uses limited space, and makes good use of walls, ordinarily wasted areas at the retail level.

Chef Works boasts that the amount of dollars generated, per square foot of space, increase three-fold when the Concept Box System is used. After almost 2 years of testing, the company plans to roll out this system to its key retail reseller partners across the U.S. and around the world.

The Box System comes in multiple sizes and it is easily adaptable for growth as sales increase.

Why we like it: Over the past 15 years, retail uniform locations have slowly increased their profitability in culinary uniform sales as the visibility of chef clothing through channels like the Food Network has created demand. Yet the retailer couldn't justify the amount of space it would take up. The Box System solves that dilemma.

Case in point: Since using this system, sales through Restaurant Depot and their sister company, JETRO Cash & Carry, have increased by more than 150 percent; three years ago, sales were marginal at best.

Anything that increases profitability not only deserves a UNIVATOR, but a hearty bravo as well.

For more information about the award and a complete list of winners, please visit the UNIVATOR Award website.