Posted April 28, 2010
Airgas forms business focused on retail customers
Airgas Inc. formed a new business dedicated to meeting the product and service needs of businesses serving retail customers.
Airgas Retail Solutions, based in St. Petersburg, Fla., is the new business formed from the acquisition of S.K.I.L. Enterprises Inc., a nationwide service-oriented helium distributor, and other regional helium distributors over the past year.
"Airgas' acquisition of SKIL Enterprises and the formation of Airgas Retail Solutions is a clear indication of our commitment to meeting the unique needs of the retail market," said Andrea Pichardo, Airgas Retail Solutions vice president - sales, and former S.K.I.L. Enterprises president. "Our business model is based on reliable, personal service, whether we're working with the corner grocer, the local florist, a restaurant, club, or bar, or a large national chain. We specialize in lower volumes of product to many different retail locations."
It focuses on retail businesses such as florists, grocers, restaurants and bars, tire and automotive service centers, and others.
According to Pichardo, personal service includes prompt, reliable delivery of products such as helium for balloon programs; carbon dioxide for carbonated beverage service; gas mixtures for draught beer; nitrogen for tire filling; welding and cutting gases, welding equipment and filler metals, and automotive refrigerants for auto service centers; dry ice for grocers, and safety products and supplies for a variety of businesses.
"We understand our customers want one point of contact for ordering, billing, and customer service," Pichardo continued. "We know they want uniform pricing nationwide and simplified, consolidated billing. Most of all, and we've heard this loud and clear, retail customers want reliable, consistent, and friendly service. After all, that's what 'retail' and serving customers is all about. It's what Airgas Retail Solutions is all about."
Airgas Retail Solutions currently serves more than 60,000 retail businesses, including grocers, florists, restaurants, bars, apartment/condominium complexes, pharmacies, car dealerships, department stores, party and paper stores, as well as greeting card, gift and novelty stores.
