UL Solutions Expands Arkansas Retail Testing Hub to Integrate Softlines and Hardlines
Event summary
- UL Solutions has expanded its Retail Center of Excellence in Lowell, Arkansas, integrating softlines (apparel, textiles) testing with hardlines (furniture, toys, electronics) testing.
- The expansion includes additional laboratory space, advanced equipment, and technical expertise across multiple consumer product categories.
- The center, opened in 2024, now offers a more connected testing experience for retailers, brands, and suppliers in Northwest Arkansas.
- UL Solutions cites PwC’s 2025 Customer Experience Survey, which found 52% of consumers stopped buying from a brand due to poor product experiences.
The big picture
UL Solutions' expansion reflects the growing demand for comprehensive, early-stage product testing as retailers face heightened consumer expectations around safety and quality. The integration of softlines and hardlines testing under one roof streamlines the process for customers, potentially reducing time-to-market and mitigating risks. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward consolidation of testing services to enhance efficiency and reliability in the supply chain.
What we're watching
- Market Positioning
- How UL Solutions' integrated testing approach will differentiate it from competitors in the retail testing space.
- Customer Retention
- Whether the expanded capabilities will help UL Solutions retain and attract major retailers and brands in Northwest Arkansas.
- Operational Efficiency
- The pace at which UL Solutions can scale this integrated testing model to other regions globally.