According to NAMA, the National Automatic Merchandising Association, a micro-market is a self-service retail food establishment where a customer chooses a packaged food, beverage or whole fruit from an open rack display or a reach-in refrigerated cooler or freezer, The customer then scans the UPC code or RFID tag for each product at an automated payment kiosk. Payments are made by a single predetermined payment type such as cash, credit card, or stored value card.
Micro-markets are placed in a secure location and are operated primarily on the honor system. The following are a few reasons why the micro-markets is viewed as a step-up from the traditional vending machine.
Multiple Payment Options: The ability of the automated payment kiosk to accept cash/debit cards, stored value cards, or in some cases, fingerprint recognition is a technological advancement that offers Salt Lake City consumers a convenience that did not previously exist.
Fewer to No Service Calls: Roughly 90% of all vending service calls are related to the coin mechanism malfunctioning. Because the kiosk does not give change (all money is kept on the stored value card), the days of service calls related to the coin mechanism failing are virtually over.
Large Variety: Vending machines are confined both to the size of their frame and the size of their spirals. A typical snack machine offers on average 40 different selections. A typical micro-market offers many different types and sizes of snacks including better-for-you options. Although commonly compared to convenience stores (C-store), NAMA considers the micro-market to be its own category.
The two primary differences are:
C-stores have the ability to focus on a high volume of traffic with an area of dominant influence (ADI) whereas micro-markets have a limited customer base and offer a higher quality and larger variety of products, especially in the fresh fruit and food categories.
C-stores are often “cookie-cutter” selling the same products at all of their chain locations. Micro-markets rely heavily on data to constantly stock products with a greater perceived value at YOUR Salt Lake City location. No two micro-markets should look the same.
If micro-markets don’t rely on location or stock the same items, how are they profitable? By only stocking high-quality fresh food, healthy snacks, and locally made products including items for breakfast or a take-home dinner,
Simply put, if you would like to offer your employees a highly-valued benefit and improve your current office break room, add a micro-market. One of our team members will be happy to discuss how micro-markets can improve workplace morale, health, and your bottom line. Contact PGi Services at 800.580.7266 for more information.