In the newly repopulated offices, micro markets will gain importance well beyond their prior role as just another part of the office refreshment program. Micro markets will become a destination and employers will encourage their use, hoping to keep employees in the office as much as possible.
Technology will play a key role.
There will be no “easy in and out” of offices for the immediate future. Temperature checks will be standard procedure, along with slower building access due to ID checks and a limited number of passengers on elevators. In addition to the time lost on venturing out for lunch or a break, public contact will potentially increase virus exposure, a great source of concern for employers.
Technology brings solutions
There are three technology solutions that caught the interest of Fixturelite management. Two of those solutions are micro market apps and one is a smartphone charging station. All three solutions can enhance the function and the look of a micro market.
Touch Free Solution – The Vagabond App
The vīv Fixturelite Market, a joint venture that combines a no-kiosk, app-based solution from Vagabond, with a custom designed collection by Fixturelite, the leading supplier of micro market retail displays, seating and design features.
With operators increasing their focus on how to make small and medium sized micro markets work, vīv Fixturelite’s kiosk free, turn-key micro market is generating steady interest from operators. At the same time, smartphone apps offer a touch free solution, making cashless check out increasingly popular in larger micro markets.
Juan Jorquera, Chief Marketing Officer at Vagabond, said the thought process behind putting together a turn-key solution with Fixturelite was driven by a need to not only serve smaller locations, but to quickly level the playing field for smaller operators. “While we serve many larger operators, the vīv Fixturelite Market removes many obstacles for smaller operators who are trying to break into the micro market business. Our turn-key solution works. It gives operators an opportunity to partner with two experienced organizations, Vagabond and Fixturelite,” he added.
Touch Free Solution – GrabScanGo
A relative newcomer (started by Intel veterans) that is getting positive operator reviews, GrabScanGo offers an intriguing technology solution that promises the lowest cost structure for any app in the micro market industry. With touch free solutions being sought after by operators and their clients, GrabScanGo is experiencing steady growth.
“We are making a concerted effort to minimize operator costs, from both a set-up, user cost and transaction fee standpoint, because our strategy is to monetize the smartphone screen through new product introductions,” said Wilfred Martis, Co-founder of GrabScanGo. “We are giving a platform to new products that is right in the hands of the end user and the data indicates that the advertising works. Successful new product sales can be attributed directly to the app.”
Martis summed up exactly what his monetizing strategy means for operators. “GrabScanGo is positioned to have the lowest cost structure for operators in the industry,” he said. “For us, it is important to have as many operators on board as possible in order to execute our strategy, so we are making it very easy for them.” GrabScanGo does not require long term commitments or any minimum sales requirements.
Charging Solution – Electron
One of the most sought-after features of a micro market is phone charging capability. Electron’s Supernova Bloom adds a futuristic twist to any micro market while satisfying the need for a multi phone charging station.
For operators, the Bloom is plug and play and offers an ongoing source of steady income. The Electron Bloom is just another way to help make the micro market a destination.
“The installation is easy, the route service is simple, the investment is minimal, and the revenue stream is consistent,” said Nasim Muabbat, Founder and CEO of Electron. “It’s recurring revenue. Any active location, where employees are on the move, where there is waiting time, where the mobile device is important — those are all potentially great locations.”
“We are seeing increasing interest from micro market operators, especially those who operate larger locations,” said Co-Founder Mark Sutton. “We have enjoyed success on the college campus, in healthcare facilities and many other high traffic locations. Micro markets and Electron are a perfect fit and it is so easy to gauge the performance in each location. Just plug it in and start generating revenue,” he added.
For More Technology Solutions
Visit www.fixturelite.com
