Micro markets are a growing trend in workplaces, offering a compact shopping environment with a wealth of choice available directly in the office. As an evolution of the traditional break room, micro markets bring a modern experience to lunchtime that effortlessly exceeds the expectations of your employees.
On the fence still? We’ve covered everything you need to know about this unique unattended retail solution below.
What Is a Micro Market?
A micro market transforms part of your break room or canteen into a self-service retail space, providing access to a wide range of fresh, healthy food choices for office snack solutions, lunches and more. In comparison to workplaces that offer vending-only services, these micro markets greatly expand employee choice, improving morale while providing an easy purchase experience that makes access to great food effortless.
Why Businesses Are Moving Away from Vending Machines
Businesses aren’t necessarily moving away from vending machines, but micro markets offer a new and exciting opportunity to expand upon available food choices. Staff are able to engage directly with an in-office retail experience, with a wide selection of different food options to improve satisfaction. Micro markets introduce greater flexibility into snack times and lunches, improving employee satisfaction.
Vending machines are still a reliable choice for access to specific snacks and treats, but micro markets go a step further with 24/7 access to warm, fresh foods, from bread and sandwiches to fresh fruit and pastries. The ability to pay via mobile app or with cashless and contactless options also increases food availability to a wider selection of employees versus a cash-only system.
Key Benefits of Micro Markets
Greater Choice & Flexibility
Installing a micro market immediately elevates the food selections available to your employees. That means you can provide products that suit a wider selection of your staff, from meeting dietary requirements to offering healthy options. Product ranges can easily be changed and updated to continually provide variety or meet changing demand, making it easy to keep up with employee tastes.
Improved Employee Experience
Micro markets offer a shopping experience that is contained within your business, allowing employees to make their own selections without any barriers. The design of micro markets also avoids the dreaded queue for food, as multiple people can make use of the market at one time, selecting products and completing payment without waiting for the person in front to make their choice.
Cashless & Smart Technology
Modern workplace food solutions should align with employees’ expected payment methods. As a society that is increasingly cash-free, it’s less and less likely that your staff will have change on hand to pay for snacks or lunches. Offering contactless and app-based payments streamlines the purchasing process and reduces wait times, allowing employees to quickly grab snacks without cutting into their workday.
Supports Workplace Wellbeing
The ability to offer fresh food makes it easier for employees to make healthy choices without leaving your premises. Yoghurt, fresh fruit and salads can all be offered in micro markets, making it easy to make better decisions. Food products can also be rotated regularly, offering variety to staff, from protein bars and fruit snacks to healthier baked goods.
Scalable for Different Business Sizes
Micro market solutions aren’t a one-size product – they can easily be scaled to the requirements of different-sized businesses. In SMEs, micro markets offer food resources that may previously have been unavailable to employees and fit into the available space. In large offices, micro markets can act as a replacement of canteens, reducing space usage while providing ample room for a comprehensive selection of products.
Micro Market vs Vending Machines
Micro markets and vending machines are both valuable additions to workplaces. If you’re not sure which to choose or can’t decide if investing in both is best for your workplace, here are some key differences to consider:
- Choice: vending machines have a reduced selection compared to micro markets, but can be placed strategically for drinks in the workplace
- Experience: micro markets offer a complete shopping experience, while vending machines are a simple mechanical process
- Technology: vending machines may offer contactless payment, though this is not always the case, while micro markets provide multiple payment options, including in-app payment
- Engagement: micro markets engage employees with shopping and choosing products, while vending machines offer a speedy solution for quickly picking up snacks and drinks
In most cases, micro markets are the ideal choice for workplaces that want to expand upon their food options. Vending machines can easily be used in tandem in large workplaces, offering secondary snack and drink options outside of lunchtime.
Is a Micro Market Right for Your Workplace?
Micro markets are an ideal option for workplaces with more than 50 employees, offering superior choice. Any environments with high levels of footfall or around-the-clock operation can benefit from a micro market, offering high-quality, healthy food to employees outside of typical canteen operation.
The flexibility of micro markets means they can work for a vast array of environments, from smaller offices to large, multi-floor businesses. Each micro market can be fully customised to the specifics of the organisation, from the number of options to the types of food available.
Speak to JW Vending About Micro Markets Today
JW Vending are highly experienced specialists in vending, coffee machines and micro market solutions. We supply businesses across the UK with cost-effective, professionally executed solutions, providing access to healthy food within your business premises.
For more information about micro markets, contact our team directly today on 0117 982 8795 or fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you.
Recent Comments