MICROMARKETS Time to take
micromarkets to the next level
The micromarket concept is going from strength to strength in the
UK with no signs of slowing down and the view of most industry role players the future is bright.
micro-market sector shows an increase of 500% in 2022, up 17% from 2021. This is down to the fact that micro-
A
markets offer a wider range of products and services than traditional vending machines, providing consumers with a more comprehensive retail experience. AVA chief
executive David Llewellyn said: “This growth underscores the industry's ability to adapt to the ever-changing workplace settings, and still meet the
ccording to data from the Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA), in the last five years the
demands of businesses across the country. “There are several reasons for the growth but one of the biggest contributions comes from the number of offices implementing flexible and hybrid work polices. “With these policies in place the need
for full-time traditional catering has steadily diminished. Micro-markets are an excellent alternative for businesses to continue to feed their staff, without the additional costs that come from a staffed canteen. Micromarket designer/manufacturer
Nebrak marketing manager Kelly Bullivant agrees that the demand for micromarkets is not tiring but it was now time to look at the overall experience of the end user. “One of the key factors in the micro
market’s success is the flexibility it provides for both the customer and the operator. When we design the furniture to house
vending operator’s equipment and retail offer, after compliance and functionality, the possibilities are now endless. She added that operators now need to adopt a more holistic approach, focus on customer experience and the preferences expressed by the workforce. “Our designers very rarely deliver stand-
alone micro market solutions anymore. It’s not uncommon to incorporate dedicated recycling hubs, kitchen areas, media screens and a variety of seating and breakout areas. Wellbeing zones are being created as multi- dimensional spaces with the micro market taking centre stage. It’s an opportunity for the client to express their brand values and personality and the operator to build loyalty, which we all know, positively impacts revenue. “The end-user is seeking an experience and the operator needs to provide one.
Unattended retail solution is proving popular for the NHS
A one stop automated retail solution is proving popular for staff and visitors at the East Surrey Hospital, part of the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. The recently installed system offers hospital
patients and staff a choice of vending and drink options and is sited in a high-traffic location, close to one of the hospital’s main entrances. In addition to providing hot and convenient meal options of
Rustlers microwavable range, the one-stop vending solution will offer products from Britvic and Pepsico in the future. The retail and vending solution was installed by unattended retail specialists
Nebrak and with payment solutions powered by 365. An open day held to introduce the new turn-
key unit to hospital staff resulted in 800 meals and sandwiches being consumed and after just one month over 600 food products had been purchased, with half of them being Rustlers. James Turner, sales and marketing director at PG Group Vending, said: “It’s early days, but we’re really
pleased with how things are going and the support we’ve received from Kepak has been fantastic. The hospital has a restaurant on site, but importantly we’re extending the food and drink provision outside of core hours and adding real value to the catering offer.”
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