The micro market concept is going from strength to strength in the UK with no signs of slowing down and the view of most industry role players is the future is bright.
According to data from the Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA), in the last five years the micro-market sector shows an increase of 500% in 2022, up 17% from 2021.
This is down to the fact that micro 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 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.
Micro market designer/manufacturer Nebrak marketing manager Kelly Bullivant agrees that the demand for micro markets 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.
