Demand for micro markets in apartment complexes grows, says Cantaloupe

“Bringing the convenience of shopping for food, beverages and household necessities right into an apartment building or complex is a very sought-after amenity for property managers and their tenants today,” noted Elyssa Steiner, CMO of Cantaloupe Inc. “Property managers are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate their properties and offer new, valuable amenities to residents.”

Installing micro markets and smart coolers in apartment lobbies or other shared resident spaces helps facility managers address resident concerns about safety and the desire to avoid leaving the complex for external stores. Steiner notes that the company's products are well-sized to apartment settings and can be customized to match property aesthetics and tenant satisfaction.

“Capitalizing on the growing demand for accessible essentials within residential complexes, one of our pioneering operators, Blue Agave, has successfully tailored its micro market services to high-end apartment buildings in California,” Steiner noted. “This strategic focus has not only enhanced resident satisfaction by providing convenient access to food, beverages and household items, but [it] has also significantly boosted their revenue and growth.”

Blue Agave services several apartments and provides products like household detergents, over-the-counter pharmacy items, snacks, fresh food like sandwiches and salads, and beverages to apartment residents.

“By providing products directly in an apartment building setting, we’ve been able to set our business apart in a competitive market,” said Quinn Miller, owner of Blue Agave. “With our use of Cantaloupe’s micro markets and smart cooler solutions, we are able to focus on enhancing the value provided to residential buildings.”

Blue Agave worked with Cantaloupe to create custom-designed markets that fit each building’s aesthetic, Miller noted. The ability to keep tabs on cooler temperatures, monitor kiosk performance and uptime, and track real-time sales via reporting — all features of Cantaloupe Go software — allows Miller to ensure the micro market has the products the residents need when it is needed. “They no longer have to venture out at midnight to get a household item, medicine or a snack. They can just get it in their micro market,” Miller said.

“With more adapting hybrid work environments and combining residential life with work life, the need for more convenience and quick and easy food and beverage options is rising,” said Steiner. “According to our Cantaloupe 2024 Micropayment Trends Report, we’ve seen a huge uptick of consumers demanding more self-service options.”

To connect with buyers in the apartment vending market, Cantaloupe Inc. will exhibit its smart cooler and micro market products at the Apartmentalize Show on June 19-21 in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.