MICROMARKETS


Micro markets can add value from day one


Active micro market sites are increasing apace across all of the British Isles and interest from location owners is continuing to accelerate. This boom has been noted by vending software specialist SB Software. Dan Varney, head of operations, SB Software says: “Right


Shaping the industry for years to come


Year after year the Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) census has shown more micro markets being installed across the UK and this is a trend that is expected to continue.


I


n 2017, there were 45 micro markets installed, however according to the most recent census, there are now 480 in the UK. Across Europe, there are 6,500 micro markets in operation according to


the EVA market report 2023. AVA chief executive, David Llewellyn said: “One of the key reasons


for the growth of micro markets, alongside flexible working policies, is the fact that people are prioritising convenience and speed when it comes to getting what they want, when they want.” “Thus the need or consumer desire for full-time traditional catering


has steadily diminished. Micro markets are an excellent alternative for businesses to continue to feed and hydrate their workforce, without the additional costs that come from a staffed canteen.” What’s new in micro markets is the industry is increasingly adopting new technology to keep up to date with the ever-changing consumer preferences. Smart kiosks equipped with touchscreens and mobile payment options streamline the purchasing process, providing a seamless and efficient transaction for consumers. Amongst a variety of factors that will influence vending, micro


markets will play a major role in shaping the industry in years to come; however its impact will be parallel to how the world of work transforms. With flexible working and work from home schemes still firmly in


place, micro markets have been a great alternative for businesses rather than employing full time catering. If these work models are still in place for the long term, which they more than likely will be, then micro markets will continue to grow and expand throughout the UK.


18 | vendinginternational-online.com


now, we are still in the early days of a surge, as the benefits of unattended retail are being first tested, then proven in action, in real-world environments. “Vending operators are well placed to identify and take advantage of the opportunities that will be coming online ever faster, with both additional sites and added volumes at existing locations.


However some micro markets


take longer than they should to get up to speed/performance, while others never realise their true potential, falling short in terms of product coverage/ provision/availability, customer service, consumer satisfaction or operational efficiency/ profitability. But Mr Varney says this does not


need to be the case. Instead, the following should apply: • Micro markets can add maximum value from day one, after a commissioning process that is targeted, effective, efficient, smooth and above all controlled and managed.


• Thereafter, ongoing regular reviews between site owners (or facility managers) and operators, with access to clear comprehensive analytical data to support informed decision making can provide the foundation for continued performance improvement – in terms of maximising both sales/profitability and consumer satisfaction (including promotions).


SB Software’s offering for micro markets includes the following: • Nova Micromarket kiosk described as being fully featured, easy for operators to setup, and simple for consumers to understand and use making both commissioning and ongoing operation straightforward.


• Integration of the micro market(s) into Vendmanager to ensure access to all the features/ functionality of the vending management system, including data/reports/analysis vital for those client reviews. Mr Varney says: “Both of these support the twin objectives


of “getting it right first time, on time” and then “monitoring, managing and delivering ongoing performance improvement”. Whether the location is a micro market in an office or factory, or unattended retail in a leisure centre, farmer’s market, or wherever, some installations fare better than others. Ensure that you are amongst the winners by making the most of each opportunity, from day one - and then every day that follows.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28