Unicomer Group

Powering Caribbean Retail with Local Insight and Global Reach

Reimagining the retail experience across the Caribbean, blending brick-and-mortar roots with a modern digital edge.

Established in 2000, Unicomer Group has grown into a powerhouse in the Caribbean and Latin America, making an impact across diverse sectors, from household goods and electronics to financial services and optics. Known for its signature brand, Courts, Unicomer is more than just a retailer—it’s a lifeline for customers who rely on credit options to improve their quality of life. With operations in 21 countries and a workforce of over 13,800, Unicomer is a dominant player in the region.

“Our purpose is to bring well-being and opportunity to our customers, whether that’s through the products we offer or the financial services we provide,” says Errol Le Blanc, Vice President of Unicomer Caribbean. He explains that Unicomer’s financial services are particularly significant. The company helps customers who might not qualify for traditional banking loans by offering credit for household items, business equipment, and even motorcycles. “We’re especially focused on supporting micro and small entrepreneurs, giving them access to credit they might not otherwise have,” she says, describing this service as a critical component of Unicomer’s mission.

The group’s footprint in the Caribbean began with the acquisition of Courts, a well-established brand in the region. “When we bought the Courts operation in 2006, it was a big step for us,” Le Blanc recalls. This acquisition marked the start of Unicomer’s expansion across the Caribbean. This journey continued with a significant move in 2014 when the company acquired several well-known brands in Aruba, including AMC, Unicorn, and Price Hacker. These strategic purchases allowed Unicomer to solidify its presence in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.

Le Blanc, describes the company’s growth since entering the Caribbean market. Originally focused on furniture and appliances with credit sales, Unicomer has diversified to include optical stores and financial services like cash loans. “We introduced optical stores and now offer a variety of financial services, including cash loans,” he says. Unicomer now offers loans for in-store purchases and personal use, which has become a key part of its business.

Felix Siman, Caribbean Vice President & Managing Director, highlights Courts’ longstanding presence in the region. “Courts has become a staple and a strong brand,” he notes, customers using its credit services for over 30 years. Unicomer has also launched store and credit cards in markets like Guatemala and Costa Rica. Another major milestone was Unicomer’s acquisition of RadioShack, initially in Latin America and recently expanded to the U.S. market; the company also operates Ashley Homestore franchises, supporting its strategy to serve diverse income levels and market needs.

Felix Siman, Caribbean Vice President & Managing Director

Expanding in Trinidad

With a solid foundation in the Caribbean, Unicomer is doubling down on its investment in Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on expanding its retail presence, developing real estate projects, and growing its consumer finance offerings. The company has a new Courts megastore under construction in Port of Spain, a 40,000-square-foot retail space designed to elevate the shopping experience with expanded categories in gaming, electronics, and home furnishings. 

The new Courts megastore is part of a broader mixed-use development strategy that Unicomer is implementing in Trinidad. The project includes additional retail spaces that Unicomer will lease to well-known fast-food and coffee franchises, creating a comprehensive shopping and leisure destination. “We’re building a retail experience that goes beyond Courts,” Siman notes, describing plans to feature other popular brands operated by third parties. 

In tandem with its retail and real estate projects, Unicomer is also scaling up its consumer finance operations in Trinidad. As demand for quick, accessible loans grows, Unicomer’s financial services have found a niche, especially among customers who may struggle to access traditional banking products. “The credit business is very cash-intensive, and we’ve been able to grow our portfolios significantly,” Siman says. For many Trinidadian consumers, applying for a bank loan can be a slow, complex, and sometimes discouraging process. Unicomer, by contrast, offers a streamlined, efficient loan option that allows customers to access funds quickly and at competitive rates.

Market Knowledge and Adaptability

Unicomer’s success in the Caribbean hinges on its deep understanding of the local market and its ability to adapt to the specific needs of its customers. “When Unicomer came to the Caribbean, we saw there was no structured way for consumers to get credit for household durables,” recalls Le Blanc. At the time, people often relied on layaway systems or personal relationships with shop owners to make large purchases. By offering flexible credit, Unicomer provided a new way for everyday consumers to afford the essentials for their homes.

Today, Unicomer’s customer base has grown beyond its original demographic, with an increasingly diverse range of offerings to appeal to different segments. “We still serve the ordinary working-class person, but we also cater to aspirational young professionals,” says Le Blanc. This shift is partly driven by rigorous market research. Every year, Unicomer conducts extensive market studies, gathering insights across categories like furniture, appliances, credit, and optical services. This data informs a tiered retail strategy, where stores in smaller towns carry a more limited selection, while flagship stores in larger cities offer a full range of high-end products, from top-of-the-line refrigerators to premium televisions.

Unicomer’s decentralized structure allows local teams to make market-specific decisions, enabling the company to adapt to regional differences across markets like Guyana, Trinidad, and Latin America. “We really try to drive decision-making from the bottom up,” says Siman, emphasizing this approach’s flexibility. A prime example is Unicomer’s optical division, which was introduced to the Caribbean after successful trials in Latin America. By allowing customers to finance eyewear, Unicomer extended its credit model to cover a new consumer need. 

Strategic Investments and Partnerships Across Key Caribbean Markets

The recent oil boom in Guyana has rapidly transformed the economy, drawing global attention and catalyzing unprecedented growth. Le Blanc points out that Unicomer has been operating in Guyana since 1993 when it was among the poorest nations in the Caribbean. “Now, Guyana is poised to be one of the wealthiest countries in the region,” he notes, highlighting Unicomer’s proactive approach to seizing the new economic potential. The company has secured land in an industrial area to build a large distribution center and logistics park. “The distribution center will serve our own needs, but the logistics park will offer services to third parties, supporting industries like energy and trade,” he says. 

Unicomer is investing heavily in Trinidad and Tobago, repurposing a mega-store site into a flagship retail space with facilities for third-party tenants. “We’re redeveloping several acres of land to create a new flagship store, with agreements already in place for outside tenants,” says Le Blanc. Additional commercial development at the Freeport campus, which houses Unicomer’s head office and distribution center, will transform the area into a commercial hub. Unicomer is also expanding in Jamaica, with projects in Montego Bay, Spanish Town, and Mandeville. “We’re also looking to build a new corporate headquarters in Jamaica,” he adds.

Partnerships are central to Unicomer’s regional growth. “Our partnerships with regional banks have been essential,” says Siman, facilitating capital projects and expanding finance offerings. Collaborations with suppliers, like Ashley HomeStore and local mattress manufacturers, ensure product quality and cater to regional demand. Unicomer’s partnership with Spanish lens manufacturer Prats strengthens its offerings in optical services. Local contractors support logistics and technical services, enhancing customer service and creating jobs. Government partnerships are also key, streamlining development processes and aligning Unicomer’s investments with national goals across the Caribbean.

Errol Le Blanc, Vice President of Unicomer Caribbean

Sustainability and Social Responsibility  

Unicomer’s sustainability and social responsibility entails a comprehensive approach that spans environmental initiatives, employee welfare, and community engagement. The company has strategically invested in renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient products, recognizing the Caribbean’s high energy costs and outdated power infrastructure. Several years ago, Unicomer began installing photovoltaic systems across its stores, a move aimed at reducing costs and lowering its environmental footprint. “We’ve installed almost two megawatts of solar capacity across the Caribbean, focusing on markets like Jamaica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, and Barbados,” says Siman.  

Unicomer promotes energy efficiency by offering high C-rated inverter air conditioners and refrigerators and educating customers. “We educate our customers about the cost savings that come with replacing old appliances with more efficient models,” says Siman. The company has retrofitted stores with LED lighting and sells smart home products through RadioShack, including LED lights to enhance household energy efficiency. “Our goal is to integrate energy-saving technologies throughout our operations and product lines,” he adds.

Employee welfare is another critical focus for Unicomer, which offers financial aid for personal challenges and a continuous learning platform, Unicomer University, in partnership with Coursera. “Our employees can develop their skills and knowledge…for their overall career growth,” Siman notes. Mental health support includes regular health fairs and scholarships for employees’ children, emphasizing a supportive work environment. “We are creating a workplace with equal opportunities and a positive environment,” adds Alfaro.  

The next 18 Months: Enhancing Customer Experience

“Our top priority right now is completing the capital projects in Jamaica, Trinidad, and Guyana,” says Siman. He emphasizes that the brick-and-mortar experience remains crucial in the Caribbean while online shopping grows. “These new stores will deliver a revitalized shopping environment for our customers,” he adds, pointing to the importance of physical retail in markets where customers value the in-person shopping experience. Each new location is designed to elevate the customer journey, offering a blend of convenience, service, and product variety that meets local needs.

Unicomer is also making significant investments to improve its e-commerce platform. Siman notes that online shopping in the Caribbean is rapidly evolving, with the company dedicating resources to create a faster, more user-friendly experience. “We’re revamping our online platform to provide a better, more agile shopping experience,” he says. This push towards digital aligns with broader consumer trends, as more Caribbean shoppers turn to online options for convenience. However, Siman remains clear that Unicomer’s approach is balanced—strengthening its digital channels while enhancing the in-store experience that Caribbean customers continue to value.

Another top priority involves streamlining the import of high-quality goods into markets with unique regulatory and logistical challenges. “There are challenges with imports in the Caribbean, especially in Trinidad and Guyana,” Siman acknowledges. These challenges sometimes include ethics issues and regulatory hurdles, making securing the best brands in consumer electronics more difficult. However, Unicomer leverages its multinational structure and longstanding supplier relationships to deliver top-tier products consistently. “We work hard to import the best brands for our customers, even under challenging market conditions,” he adds.

The final pillar of Unicomer’s strategy over the next year and a half is employee engagement and development. Unicomer has implemented an eNPS (employee Net Promoter Score) system to measure satisfaction across its workforce and conducts in-depth studies on employee engagement to ensure a positive workplace culture. “Investing in our people is essential,” Siman stresses. “Raising employee engagement levels is a critical part of our success.” By prioritizing its workforce, Unicomer seeks to build a loyal, motivated team that will continue to drive the company’s growth and maintain the high service standards that customers rely on.

AT A GLANCE

Unicomer Group

What: Leading Caribbean and Latin American retail and financial services provider

Where: Operating in 21 countries across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America

Website: www.unicomergroup.com