august2024 - 10

dents who said their companies
planned a return to office in 2024,
just under one-fifth say employees
will be required to work in the office
five days a week. 28% of respondents
said those who don't comply with a
return-to-office policy will be threatened
with termination of employment
by their company. "
" In a survey by Gallup, four in
five chief human resources offices of
Fortune 500 companies said remote
work flexibility was there to stay
for at least the next 12 months, " the
report went on to say.
THE NEXT BIG THING:
SMART COOLERS
In 2024, companies are apparently
finally ready to define their work-athome
programs, but clearly, workat-home
is here to stay. For OCS
operators, this means diversification
is necessary beyond water, cold brew
and even pantry service. OCS operators
need to find the next big thing.
There is a newly expanded
offering on the market that every
OCS operator should be taking on
soon, especially those operators
who are generally averse to dealing
with vending and those who may
be reluctant to offer micro markets.
I'm talking about smart coolers and
smart markets.
My take: Smart markets will be
the next big thing.
Elsewhere in this issue, take a
look at my article, " An operator's
guide to smart market options. " It's
a must-read, and while researching
and writing the article, I became
a true believer in smart cooler
technology.
" I would define a smart cooler
as a system that can manage its own
inventory, sales and take payments,
which funny enough, sounds a lot
like a vending machine, " said Evan
Jarecki, co-founder of Gimme, an
10 Automatic Merchandiser * August 2024
" I would define a smart cooler as a system that can
manage its own inventory, sales and take payments,
which funny enough, sounds a lot like a vending
machine. "
Evan Jarecki, co-founder of Gimme
industry software company that
builds management, delivery and
invoicing tools for micro markets
and vending operators. Unlike vending,
noted Jarecki, smart coolers can
mitigate theft using weight sensors
or video technology, and customers
can touch and inspect their selection
before they make the purchase.
One thing you will learn in that
article is that currently, there are
plenty of smart coolers to choose
from. Turn to page 20 to get the
full story.
CAPTURE THE TERRITORY
WHILE YOU CAN
For an OCS operator, smart coolers
and smart markets (soon to be
more common, featuring ambient
temperature compartments and even
hot-food capability) offer tremendous
openings to new revenue
streams and business opportunities.
While those who are already highly
invested in vending and traditional
micro markets take their time and
" kick the tires " before jumping in,
progressive operators and even newcomers
should seize the opportunity
to capture as much territory as possible
by adding this new technology
to their arsenal.
A TWO-FOLD BENEFIT
Arthur Sillar, senior vice president
of operations and business development
at Evergreen Refreshments, has
extensive experience operating smart
coolers. He said the impact of smart
coolers is two-fold. First, it allows for
the ability to operate in public locations
where a micro market would
not work due to security concerns.
Second, the revenue performance of
smart coolers is impressive.
" On the sales side, as we replace
traditional equipment that has been
in a location for a long time -
bringing in this newer technology
- we are seeing a two to three times
sales lift, " he said.
Siller noted that this sales lift
is not a temporary thing. " It is
proof that when you introduce new
technology and it is attractive and
easier for people to use, they will use
it, " he added.
For OCS operators who are
willing to step out of their comfort
zone, the smart market could be the
opportunity the industry has been
waiting for - something that will
launch the post-pandemic boom that
every operator seeks. ■
About the author
VendingMarketWatch.
com contributing editor
and industry consultant
Bob Tullio is a content
specialist who advises
operators in the
convenience services
industry on how to build a successful
business from the ground up and advises
suppliers on how to successfully connect
with operators. Tullio's YouTube channel,
b2b Perspective, is designed to " elevate
your business in two minutes. " Visit www.
tulliob2b.com or email bob@tulliob2b.com.
http://www.tulliob2b.com http://www.tulliob2b.com
august2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of august2024
