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CASE STUDY

Part of The Midcounties Co-operative and one of the largest independent UK co-operatives fully owned by its members

YOUR CO-OP

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Overview

Since 2021, Infinity Inc. have proudly supplied Midcounties Co-operative with branded uniforms for three of their key trading groups: childcare, travel, and retail.

After a successful tender process we were selected as their new uniform supplier in 2021, our ongoing success led to the contract being extended for a further three years in October 2024.

Our partnership has been built on a strong foundation of sustainability, efficiency, and innovation, consistently delivering high-quality uniform solutions while streamlining operations and introducing impactful environmental initiatives. This collaborative approach has fostered a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship that continues to grow and drive positive change. 

Our Approach

Our dedicated uniform team curated a selection of garments that closely resembled their existing uniforms and were manufactured using sustainable materials where possible. This included corporate wear made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

Beyond the uniform materials, our in-house production facility also allowed us to implement eco-friendly practices at every stage of the branding process. From powering our headquarters with solar panels to printing with water-based inks and embroidering with recycled threads, sustainability is embedded into our daily operations. We also deliver orders in repurposed boxes via electric vehicles to reduce waste and minimise carbon emissions.

To further support Midcounties Co-op's sustainability goals, we have planted over 1,000 trees on their behalf through Ecologi, reinforcing our commitment to rewarding custoemrs who choose sustainable garment options.

Co-op uniform

Effortless Ordering

A key part of our service has been the introduction of a Wardrobe Management System, a bespoke online portal, providing each trading group with easy access to its approved uniform range. Team members can quickly order the items they need with a 10-day turnaround, thanks to our close collaboration with garment manufacturers to maintain consistent stock levels. Once an order is placed, we source the correct items and sizes, apply the appropriate branding, and deliver directly to the Co-op location. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for holding stock, reducing costs while ensuring a fast and efficient service through our in-house production.

To enhance budget management, the system includes various approval and budgeting processes based on each team’s needs. The Travel Team is allocated uniforms per wearer, ensuring only the correct items and quantities are ordered, while the Retail Team has site-specific budgets embedded in the system to prevent overspending. By eliminating phone orders and invoice processing, the new online system has streamlined operations, significantly reducing returns and saving Midcounties Co-op both time and money.

Co-op LINK Unifrom Webshop

Data insights

Leading up to the initial launch, our uniform team held bi-weekly meetings with Midcounties Co-op to track progress and ensure adherence to the agreed timeline. Post-launch, we provide a comprehensive monthly KPI report covering key metrics, including:

  • Quantity and value of orders
  • Number of items ordered and delivered
  • Invoice quantity and value
  • Sales data by site

This information is easily accessible through a bespoke dashboard that the Co-op team can access anytime. With sustainability being a key focus, the report also highlights the impact of environmental initiatives, including:

  • Percentage of eco-friendly items ordered
  • Number of recycled boxes used
  • Kilometres of recycled thread used for branding
  • Number of plastic bottles prevented from reaching landfill through garments made from recycled plastic
Feedback

Since we began working with Midcounties Co-op four years ago, we’ve consistently received positive feedback about our service, quality, and commitment to sustainability. Our annual customer service survey ratings reflect this:

Co-op Customer Feedback Scoring

This ongoing feedback reassures us that our commitment to great service, sustainability, and continuous improvement is making a real impact, and we look forward to building on this success in the years to come.

Uniform Solutions
If you need help with your branded uniform, our specialist team is here to assist. We’ll work with you to create a uniform solution that aligns with your brand, meets your functional requirements, and embraces sustainability.