Retail Archives - DerAutomat GmbH & Co. KG https://retailwindow24.com/en/category/retail/ „Hier und jetzt“ am Point-of-Need​ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:29:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 Komfort neu denken: Der Aufstieg luxuriöser Verkaufsautomaten https://retailwindow24.com/en/2024/03/22/luxus-verkaufsautomaten/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:50:07 +0000 https://retailwindow24.com/?p=5025


Rethinking Convenience: The Rise of Luxury Vending Machines



In an era where efficiency meets luxury, the concept of vending machines has transcended traditional boundaries. Trend scouts started to predict that the advantage of vending will translate into luxury retail (luxury vending machines) and is no longer confined to snacks and drinks .

These machines now dispense items as diverse as gold bars, gourmet cupcakes, high-end electronics, and exquisite jewelry, marking a new chapter in the retail customer journey and more to come.



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The Evolution of Self-Service to Luxury Vending Machines

Historically, vending machines have offered a quick fix for hunger or thirst. The first vending machine dates back to ancient Egypt, invented by Hero of Alexandria in the 1st century AD. It was designed to dispense holy water in Egyptian temples. The concept re-emerged in the 1880s in England with machines selling postcards and books.

Vending machines evolved significantly over the years, from simple mechanical designs to sophisticated digital and smart machines offering a wide range of products, including electronics, cosmetics, and even luxury items. This evolution reflects technological advancements and changing consumer preferences for convenience and instant service. (https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/04/13/first-vending-machine/)

As consumer preferences evolve towards more autonomous and instant gratification shopping experiences, businesses have innovated to meet these demands with smart self-service solutions.

Vintage Vending Machine - Luxus-Verkaufsautomaten

Vintage Vending Machine


Vintage Cigarette Vending Machine - Luxus-Verkaufsautomaten

Vintage Cigarette Vending Machine



The Impact on the Customer Journey

Recognizing Customer´s Needs:

Regardless if it is about instant gratification sparked by an ad hoc desire for a unique item; a luxury treat or it is rather about the most convenient and hazzle free way of souring; repeating purchase of such goods. The subconscious importance of luxury vending machines in the modern retail landscape represents a strategic blend of psychology and marketing, where companies skillfully tap into the latent desires and impulses of consumers.

Encounter with the Self-Service Machine:

Customers run into a luxury vending machine in an unexpected yet premium location, like a boutique hotel lobby, exclusive club or in the portal of an high street shoping location, appealing directly to their sense of discovery and luxury.

Subconscious Appeal:

It is the machine's sophisticated design and user interface engage the customer's subconscious desire for convenience, luxury, and price of entertainment, making the interaction more than just a transaction but a novel experience. By placing these machines in high-traffic, upscale environments, brands are not merely offering a product but are enticing an experience that resonates on a deeper emotional level. This strategic placement plays into the subconscious allure of exclusivity and instant gratification, teasing out the need for spontaneity and luxury that consumers might not even realize they had.

Exploration and Selection:

Drawn in by the curated selection of high-end products displayed attractively on the digital screen, the customer navigates through options that seem tailored to their tastes and current desires.

Nahtlose Transaktion:

The ease of use, from product selection to secure, cashless payment, satisfies their need for a quick, efficient, and safe purchasing process.

Seamless Transaction:

The ease of use, from product selection to secure, cashless payment, satisfies their need for a quick, efficient, and safe purchasing process.

Instant Gratification:

Upon receiving the item from the machine, the customer experiences immediate satisfaction, fulfilling their initial need and surpassing expectations with the quality and presentation of the product.

Future Engagement:

The positive experience embeds the luxury vending machine in the customer's memory, making them more likely to seek out similar experiences and share their story with others, further integrating these machines into the fabric of everyday luxury encounters.



The Benefits and Challenges

Efficiency and Accessibility:

One key benefit, as highlighted by Tidio's 2024 self-service statistics, is the efficiency and 24/7 accessibility these machines offer, aligning with the 88% of customers who prefer self-service options for their shopping needs. (https://www.tidio.com/blog/self-service-statistics/)

Cost Reduction and Revenue Increase::

Businesses also see financial advantages. Implementing intelligent self-service solutions like these vending machines can save companies significant amounts annually, with a notable portion reporting an increase in sales post-implementation.



Success Stories - Luxury Vending Machines

  • For instance, the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi introduced a gold-dispensing vending machine, offering small bars and coins, a novel concept developed by German entrepreneur Thomas Geissler.
  • Fashion-forward solutions have also emerged, like vending machines selling flats to provide comfort after a night out in heels in clubs across the UK, and even machines that dispense diamond bracelets during New York Fashion Week, showcasing items from promising designers.
  • Further enhancing the consumer experience, Sephora's Pocket Store vending machines von Sephora eine Auswahl der meistverkauften Schönheitsprodukte in Pariser U-Bahn-Stationen an und vereinfachen so den Kaufprozess für vielbeschäftigte Pendler. In ähnlicher Weise versorgen die Luxus-Verkaufsautomaten von U*Tique die eilige Diva mit einer Auswahl hochwertiger Schönheitsprodukte von Marken wie Lancôme und Smashbox, die unter anderem bei Fred Segal in Santa Monica erhältlich sind.(https://www.travelwiseway.com/section-news/news-luxury-perfume-vending-machines-appeared-in-dubai-01-03-2024.html)
Luxus-Verkaufsautomaten

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Retail is just at the beginning of a journey translating the advantages of vending into smart, self-service luxury retail of today reflects broader trends in consumer behavior and technological advancement. As businesses adapt to these changes, the potential for growth and deeper customer engagement through these platforms is vast, promising a new era of retail that marries convenience with luxury in unprecedented ways.



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]]> Der Einzelhandel wird fit für die Zukunft: High-Tech-Verkaufsautomaten von Uniqlo https://retailwindow24.com/en/2024/01/16/der-einzelhandel-wird-fit-fuer-die-zukunft-high-tech-verkaufsautomaten-von-uniqlo/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:20:11 +0000 https://retailwindow24.com/?p=5005


Exploring the Future of Retail: Uniqlo's High-Tech Vending Machines and Beyond



In the evolving landscape of retail, innovation is not just a trend but a necessity. Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing giant, has exemplified this by introducing high-tech vending machines in the U.S.

This move, a pivot from their initial expansion strategy, highlights a significant shift in the retail sector.



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Automatisierte Einzelhandelslösungen in Uniqlo
Uniqlo

Vending The Rise of Unmanned Retail

The concept of vending machines is not new, but its application in selling clothing items like Uniqlo's heat-retaining shirts and lightweight down jackets is a modern twist. This approach is not only cost-effective, reducing the need for large retail spaces and extensive staffing, but also aligns with the growing consumer preference for quick, hassle-free shopping experiences.

Unmanned store in Japan



Vending Machine MarketGrowth

The global vending machine market, valued at $18.3 billion in 2022, is expected to soar to $37.2 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for convenience and efficiency in shopping experiences, as well as the adoption of smart customer service technologies. (https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/vending-machine-market-A09486)

Key Drivers and Trends

The growth of the vending machine market is primarily fueled by the increasing demand for “new product” digital vending machines, which are becoming increasingly popular in various environments such as offices, commercial complexes, hospitals and hotels. (https://www.technavio.com/report/vending-machine-market-industry-analysis).

Omnichannel Sales: A New Frontier

Omnichannel sales, a strategy that provides a seamless shopping experience across various channels — online, mobile, and in-person — are gaining momentum. Uniqlo's vending machines are a physical representation of this trend, blending the convenience of online shopping with the tangibility of physical retail. Retailers need to adapt by integrating technology and novel sales channels to remain competitive. As observed with Uniqlo, this might mean rethinking traditional retail models and exploring unconventional methods like vending machines.



The future is now

Uniqlos Vorstoß in High-Tech-Verkaufsautomaten ist mehr als eine neuartige Marketingtaktik; Es ist ein Wegweiser für die Zukunft des Einzelhandels. Marks & Spencer beispielsweise begann, in seinen Simply Food-Filialen Verkaufsautomaten einzusetzen, um frische Sandwiches, gekühlte Fertiggerichte und Snacks zu verkaufen. Dieser Schritt verdeutlicht eine Verschiebung des Automatenangebots, das über die traditionellen Snacks hinausgeht und eine Vielzahl frischer und gesunder Optionen umfasst. Auch Aldi Süd in Deutschland experimentiert mit dem Verkaufsautomaten „Aldimat“, der bis zu 30 Eigenmarkenprodukte vorrätig hat, darunter Käse, Fleisch und Grillartikel.

Source: https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/supermarkets/how-can-brands-and-retailers-utilise-the-reimagined-vending-machine/648699.article)


What Industry experts are saying


Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, the CEO of ATLAS Vending, a Malaysia and Singapore-based vending machine solutions provider, highlighted the dual benefits of vending machines in marketing. The company has successfully collaborated with brands like SC Johnson, Pepsi, and Tropicana, leveraging automated sampling and dynamic pricing strategies. Amy Gan, head of marketing and ancillary business at ATLAS, mentioned the goal to move away from the traditional concept of vending machines to a more encompassing notion of automated retailing, aiming for this approach to contribute significantly to their future revenue stream.

Source: https://www.marketing-interactive.com/interview-why-vending-machines-are-more-than-just-a-place-for-snacks-in-marketing)

Caroline Jeannau, sales manager at Worldline GSV explained that sales robots have expanded their popularity. Jeannau emphasized the increasing importance of technologies in the vending sector, such as data analytics and GIS, to optimize vending machine placement and expand market targeting.

Source: https://www.vendingtimes.com/articles/talking-with-caroline-jeannau-worldline-gsv-on-vendings-changing-role-in-a-post-pandemic-world/)

Fastenal stands for industrial vending solutions and has achieved significant growth and competitive advantages. Jeff Hicks, vice president of FAST Solutions at Fastenal, explained, "We're actually getting deeper into the customer base where we're seeing a lot of our competition decline." Fastenal's sales approach focuses on providing customers with inventory monitoring and control and thereby improve productivity and reduce storage costs. Their vending machines offer a variety of products and are configured for efficient use and tracking, resulting in significant savings for their customers.

Source: https://inpractise.com/articles/fastenals-industrial-vending-competitive-advantage)



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In conclusion, this underscores the necessity for retailers to innovate, embrace technology, and adapt to changing consumer preferences. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, we can expect more such groundbreaking initiatives that challenge the traditional norms of shopping and sales.



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]]> Automatisierung im Handel – eher ein MUSS als eine WAHL https://retailwindow24.com/en/2023/04/24/automatisierung-im-handel-eher-ein-muss-als-eine-wahl/ Mon, 24 Apr 2023 13:40:14 +0000 https://retailwindow24.com/?p=4983


Automation in retail – more of a MUST than a CHOICE



Before the global pandemic crisis, the McKinsey Global Institute made a prediction in 2019 that automation would transform retail business models and the wider value chain .

According to their research, current technology could automate nearly half of the activities in the retail industry.

Although efficiency is commonly viewed as the primary incentive for adopting automation technologies, retailers see innovation as crucial for their survival.



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Initially, it was predicted that automation in the retail industry would result in a 5% reduction in jobs. However, this turned out to be inaccurate due to the opposing effect of the scarcity of human resources in the industry, which is a common challenge across many other industries as well. Additionally, automation leads to the creation of jobs and the need for reskilling as companies invest in growth.

Therefore, contrary to popular belief, automation is not a threat to jobs in retail. Rather, the lack of available human resources has impeded the integration of automation strategies and technologies in the industry. Margin pressure has made automation a requirement rather than a choice.

The application of in-store automation technologies can result in a savings of more than 50% of working hours. This can be achieved through the implementation of various components such as electronic shelf-edge labels, self-checkout terminals, shelf-scanning robots, and partially automated backroom unloading.

These technologies have been successfully deployed on a large scale and offer internal rates of return that surpass historical retail hurdle rates.

However, in some cases, the lack of skills, capabilities, and adequate funding impedes the adoption of these changes. Retailers often tend to invest in small steps and replicate last year's capital spending due to various bottlenecks.

Investing in 24/7 self-service retail technology can lead to even greater savings and faster returns on investment (ROI). These sales channels, which are similar to those found in the vending machine industry, generate sales with minimal personnel involvement and lower costs. Retail robots operating these 24/7 shops typically offer a reduced product selection, require minimal shop floor space, and can be located in remote areas close to consumers.

According to the authors of this study, retailers who do not implement automation will fall behind. Amazon's Amazon Go retail concept has been the most significant disruptor, with reduced wait times and personalized promotions based on customer insights. Other retailers, such as Ahold Delhaize and Albertsons, are using automated mini-warehouses for in-store digital order fulfillment.

Some retailers are exploring technology use cases for employee activities, such as Target and Walmart's investments in autonomous cleaning robots and Walmart's use of virtual-reality headsets for associate training and FAST Unloader technology to automate store backrooms.

The addition of technology can create various operating models for stores, distribution centers, and headquarters.

Automation can lead to the creation of more and smaller outlets or reduce team sizes, enabling each employee to take on a broader range of responsibilities.

Real-time data and analytics can facilitate faster decision-making processes.

For instance, a store that incorporates self-scanning cashiers and 24/7 self-service robots can automate a significant portion of traditional store activities, freeing up additional resources for in-store customer service and online order fulfillment.

Skilled employees, rather than real estate costs, are the driving force behind decisions in the retail industry. To quickly fill specific skill gaps in a retail automation strategy, acquiring talent and providing flexible working models, such as part-time or freelance work, are crucial. While hiring new employees may seem like an effective solution, reskilling current employees can bridge the skill gap more quickly and at a lower cost. On average, reskilling an employee costs less than 10% of their annual salary, while replacing an employee can cost 20 to 30% of their annual salary.

Retail automation will result in better-paying jobs, with higher skill requirements and lower turnover rates.



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The retail industry has entered the future of work, and companies that delay their response face a higher risk of falling behind.

Addressing automation and workforce transitions should be a top priority for every retail management team.

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]]> Direct-to-Customer (DTC) über 24/7-Self-Service-Kanäle https://retailwindow24.com/en/2023/03/17/direct-to-customer-dtc-ueber-24-7-self-service-kanaele/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 09:28:02 +0000 https://foodbutler24.com/?p=4918


Direct-to-Customer (DTC) via 24/7 self-service channels



It is likely that the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Retail will continue to grow in popularity in 2023, as more and more businesses and brands recognize the benefits of selling directly to consumers via smart vending machines.

With advancements in technology and logistics, DTC retail has become more accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes.

Additionally, DTC allows for greater control over the customer experience, as well as the ability to collect and utilize valuable customer data.



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24/7 self-service channels channels are an example of how brands are using technology and innovation to create new channels for direct-to-customer retail. They offer a convenient and efficient way to shop , while providing brands with a cost-effective and scalable way to sell their products, without the need for a physical store or retail partner.

Furthermore, 24/7 self-service channels can be placed in areas with high customer frquesncy such as airports, malls, and office buildings, making it easy for customers to access products anytime, anywhere.

There are many companies that have a high direct-to-consumer approach focus,combined with 24/7 channels, as this model has become increasingly popular in recent years:



Hema is a Dutch retail chain that sells a wide range of products, including food, clothing, and household items. The company operates self-service vending machines that sell food and beverages, including sandwiches, salads, and fresh fruit. Their vending machines are located in areas with high customer frequency such as train stations and airports, providing customers with a convenient way to grab meals on the go.

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While it is true that many brands are shifting towards a direct-to-consumer (DTC) approach 24/7 self-service channels like click and collect or retail robotics play an important role in the overall retail ecosystem providing a lot of benefits:

- increased visibility and availability of products

-efficient logistics and distribution strategies

-24/7 customer service

-increased functionalities of the software

-collection of smart data about customers behavior etc.


Use case: Vending machines for PET FOOD


Vending machines for pet food are a growing trend in the pet industry. These machines offer a convenient and accessible way for pet owners to purchase food and supplies for their pets on-the-go, without the need to visit a traditional brick-and-mortar store.

Vending machines for pet food are typically located in high-traffic areas such as parks, pet stores, and other locations where pet owners tend to gather.

They may dispense a variety of pet food and supplies, such as dry and wet food, treats, and toys.



an Australian pet supplies retailer that operates self-service vending machines selling a range of pet food, treats, and accessories
an UK-based company offering smart pet products (including a range of healthy pet food), operating vending machines that dispense customized meal plans for dogs, based on their individual dietary needs
an US-based company that sells fresh, homemade dog food through vending machines

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]]> Einzelhandel Metamorphose https://retailwindow24.com/en/2023/02/14/einzelhandel-metamorphose/ Tue, 14 Feb 2023 14:07:20 +0000 https://retailwindow24.com/?p=4693

Retail metamorphosis


Digitization, 2 years of pandemic, new customer behavior and much more have led to profound changes in retail.

What do all these developments mean for the area of self-service and unattended retail?

What strategies have large retailers used to leverage tech innovation for a competitive advantage?

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Merging in-store and online shopping

Global retail will generate more than $26 trillion in revenue in 2021 and is projected to reach $30 trillion by 2024.

The merging of an "in-store" and "online" shopping experience has become the most important success factor in retail.

In store purchase

Consumers choose one In store purchase mainly about:

  • to be able to enjoy a location
  • being able to touch and feel products before buying,
  • To avoid delivery times and shipping costs and
  • mainly because of the uniqueness of the product range.

online shopping

Hinges score that online shopping however, due to:

  • of convenience and simplicity,
  • the 24/7 availability,
  • Loyalty programs and special discounts
  • As well as still for hygiene reasons (due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

Integration into existing technology

The main concern of retailers is the integration of new technological solutions into existing systems. When asked which elements are most important when deciding on a technological investment, integration with existing systems took second place. This makes sense because the respondents "Integration into existing technology" identified as the most difficult challenge in integrating a new technology into their company. While finding the right balance is a major challenge, retailers need to work with the mindset of consumers.

What options does brick-and-mortar retail have?

Evolving in tandem with changing consumer desires to continue offering consumers “convenience” and in-store customer experiences that are imaginative and free.

What is the role of "unattended / self-service retail"?

Through the use of innovative techniques, "in-store" experience elements are expanded to include a real 24/7 offer and the consumer is given more autonomy in terms of time, place (partially) but in any case with regard to the decision-making and purchasing process. Consumers are thus less subject to the constraints of retail processes, which often pose a barrier due to location and time (opening hours).

Asiatische Frau mit Handy-Scanning für Self-Service-Online-Warteschlange am Kiosk vor dem Restaurant. Online-Technologie neues normales Restaurantkonzept.

Dealers are uniformly convinced of one technology and more than a quarter (26 %) of those surveyed see this technology as having a major impact on the industry in the future: Artificial Intelligence AI (Zipline 2022 Retail Technology Report). For retailers, AI is becoming a key factor and the existing and especially the future tech stack must be aligned with it.

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