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History
Universal Appliances has been helping create kitchens since founder Maurice Ladouceur opened the store on Rideau Street in 1953. An electrical contractor with a keen knowledge of business, Mr. Ladouceur began selling kitchen and laundry appliances to the Ottawa community at a time when competition was scarce. Providing complete service, including contracting delivery and installation, Universal Appliances became a family-owned business with a reputation for customer satisfaction.
The ultimate source for high-end appliances, Universal relies on a strong team of knowledgeable staff to keep customers coming back for the impeccable service and quality products.
Judy Ladouceur has been General Manager of her father’s business for 15 years and with her son Jeremy, Universal Appliances has remained family-operated for three generations.
With 10 staff members operating the store’s current location at 1915 Bank Street, Universal Appliances owes its 55 years of success to a team that works together, ensuring customer fulfillment with every purchase. Mid to high-end appliances fill over 3000 square feet of showroom space and a number of appliances are connected live, so customers can try them out before they buy.
Niche Market
In comparison to the big box appliance super stores, Universal Appliances caters to a savvy clientele in search of high-quality, modern equipment. By visiting manufacturing facilities in Germany, New Zealand and California, store Buyer Mark Clouthier gains valuable product knowledge, first hand. By examining performance features and the internal workings of the machines, Mark can confidently educate customers and assist their decision-making process. Since Universal Appliances is an independent business, new and unique items are regularly available, providing customers with a wide selection of in-demand products.
The Universal shopping experience builds strong relationships and encourages repeat business. For customers who are completing home renovations or simply replacing existing appliances, Universal Appliances provides up-to-date knowledge and consistent service. Proper merchandising and constant updating of appliances help clients make sound decisions in the design and creation of their dream kitchen.
Design/Functionality
One of the busiest rooms in the house, a well designed kitchen is a working space that can be both fashionable and functional, to meet the needs of those who use it.
As technology continues to enhance our lives, Universal Appliances remains on the leading edge, offering the newest in functional kitchen design. Kitchen vignettes are located throughout the showroom. Grouped by manufacturer, these vignettes showcase each appliance and how they work in harmony to create a stylish and operative kitchen space.
As a working space, a functional kitchen should reflect the user’s personality. From esthetically pleasing integrated appliances to streamlined ranges and refrigerators designed for smaller spaces, the products available at Universal Appliances meet a wide range of needs that create beautiful dynamic kitchens.
Trends
Efficiency has become important in our fast-paced society and manufacturers have developed better products to save time, energy and money. Eco-conscious customers can easily make the switch to more efficient appliances that conserve energy and reduce costs. Universal Appliances meets this need by selling Energy Star appliances to clients developing new spaces and to those upgrading to retrofit older equipment.
Serving a diverse customer-base that includes both urban and rural clientele in the National Capital Region, Universal Appliances offers the latest in kitchen technology. The burgeoning popularity of induction cooking, microwave drawers and super-quiet dishwashers has expanded the variety of products in the store’s showroom.
Universal Appliances sources the latest in high-end, modern designs providing customers with new and unique selections to complement a variety of tastes. By selling reputable brands, the quality of the product matches the value of the service and customers return, time and time again.
Customer Success Story
In a business where strong relationships take precedence over dollars and cents, satisfying the needs of customers becomes second nature. When clients shop at Universal, they become a part of the family. The nice thing about a strong family is that there is always someone to turn to for help.
While preparing a holiday meal just two days before Christmas, the Shaver family was distraught to discover that their oven had stopped working. When they found out that the needed part to repair the appliance would take weeks to be delivered, the family called Universal Appliances, where their oven had been originally purchased. Mark Clouthier helped the Shavers select a new model and arranged to have the store remain open longer during Christmas Eve to facilitate the successful delivery and installation of the built-in wall oven.
This act of kindness from the Universal Appliances team is just another way that the store helps to bring out the positive in the community. With a team who depend on each other, rather than on commission and a personal and interactive shopping experience, Universal Appliances continues to exceed expectations and offer unique products that satisfy the needs of its Ottawa clientele.
Real people providing reliable service. Here’s to the next 55 years!
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