365 Retail Markets, a leading innovator in unattended retail solutions, has introduced PicoCoffee™, a small, cashless payment device aimed at improving the consumer experience for coffee vending and micro market purchases throughout the UK and Europe. This innovative device simplifies the buying journey by allowing customers to purchase coffee and micro market items in a single, seamless transaction, offering a more convenient and streamlined experience.
Streamlining the Consumer Experience
In the past, coffee lovers and micro market shoppers were required to process separate payments for barcoded products and beverages. This dual payment process created friction in the buying experience and often discouraged consumers from purchasing both. PicoCoffee™ eliminates this inconvenience by combining the two transactions into one, allowing operators to offer a more integrated service that improves both customer convenience and operational efficiency.
“Before PicoCoffee™, customers had to pay for snacks at a dedicated micro market kiosk and then use another device to vend coffee,” explains Ryan McWhirter, VP of Product Strategy at 365 Retail Markets. “Now, we’ve integrated these purchases to create the most seamless self-checkout experience possible. This not only improves the consumer experience but also offers tremendous value to operators looking to streamline their offerings.”
Enhancing Revenue Potential for Operators
By simplifying the checkout process, PicoCoffee™ encourages consumers to maximise their purchasing potential. The convenience of making a single transaction for both coffee and snacks boosts the likelihood of impulse purchases. Snacks positioned within close proximity to coffee machines can lead to spontaneous purchases, significantly increasing revenue for operators.
In addition to increased sales, PicoCoffee™ offers a unified platform that consolidates both coffee sales and micro market transactions. This integrated reporting feature reduces technology acquisition and management costs, while providing operators with valuable insights into consumer behaviour and product performance. The simplified reporting system allows operators to gain a comprehensive view of both market and coffee sales, helping them to make more informed decisions to drive business growth.
Easy Integration and Deployment
A key feature of PicoCoffee™ is its ease of installation and operation. The device connects via a single MDB cable, making it a plug-and-play solution for operators. Unlike older systems, PicoCoffee™ requires no modifications to existing coffee equipment, making it an ideal solution for operators who are using financed machines. The compact, standalone kiosk sits next to tabletop automatic brewers, raising the point of sale higher and making it more visible and accessible to consumers, further enhancing the overall experience.
“Operators will look back and wonder why PicoCoffee™ wasn’t introduced sooner,” adds McWhirter. “We’re redefining what an Office Coffee Service (OCS) and micro market location can offer, and I’m excited to see how this innovation will reshape the industry.”
Building Consumer Loyalty
PicoCoffee™ is also part of 365 Retail Markets’ Connected CampusSM initiative, which further enhances the customer experience. Consumers can use the 365Pay mobile app to easily make purchases, earn rewards, and redeem promotions. By offering a convenient, user-friendly payment system, operators can foster stronger consumer loyalty and encourage repeat business, further boosting revenue potential.
Meeting Market Demand in the UK and Europe
Both the UK and European markets have seen a notable shift toward unattended retail solutions, with automatic tabletop coffee machines now making up 75% of unattended sales in the UK. This trend highlights the growing consumer preference for these solutions, making it the perfect time for operators to take advantage of PicoCoffee™ and its many benefits. By implementing this solution, operators can meet growing demand while elevating their service offerings.
PicoCoffee™ is currently available for immediate purchase in the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, with plans to expand into additional countries soon.