Steve Closser, Co-Founder of Translucent, the industry's leading micro market consultant, deals with a lot of operators around the country and has a knack for seeing what is ahead. His corporate crystal ball is pointing toward intensified competition among micro market operators in the coming months.
"Competition for good locations is going to intensify," said Closser. "Right now, business is coming back a little in the Midwest but remains very slow on the coasts. When business gets better, and we can see which accounts come back strong, operators will need to be on their game to retain business."
Fixturelite = Quality
Closser said that quality must be a priority across the board. "You need to have the best quality coolers and fixtures," said Closser, who acknowledged Fixturelite's micro market collections are the best on the market.
"Our partnership with Minus Forty Coolers and Freezers, and the addition of our new 2020 Micro Market Collections, is all about delivering quality micro market fixtures to operators," said Steve Orlando, an experienced operator of 10 years who co-founded Fixturelite, the leading supplier of micro market retail displays, equipment, and design solutions.
The Executive Collection
Closser is most impressed with Fixturelite's Executive Collection, "it's majestic in style, with double-wall construction. The Executive is designed for a client who needs an upscale presentation, and The Executive can accommodate an unlimited number of break room users.
One big change for 2020 is the introduction of The Executive, Version 4, which offers a huge improvement in assembly. Nearly all hardware and the need for tools is a thing of the past. The new design has simplified the installation tremendously.
The Performance Collection
Designed for a 150-300 person space, the new Performance Collection features single-wall construction for easy installation. As standard equipment, this collection offers all the same retail technology that sets Fixturelite apart from their competition: dark interior space, high lumen LED lighting, and merchandising kits, which give the market an always well-faced look.
Installation requires nothing more than a screwdriver. Leg levelers add to the simplicity of the installation process and the finished look.
The Essentials Collection
Engineered for ultra-quick assembly and perfect for small space markets, The Essentials Collection is 80 inches tall and 48 inches wide, and is an ideal solution to replace vending machines. It is designed to be Fixturelite's most economical micro market collection.
Key Features in Every Fixturelite Collection
All Fixturelite markets feature quick connect technology. No hardware – No screws to put in. No tools are required other than a level. With the Executive's double-wall construction, an operator simply uses an Allen Wrench.
With the other two collections, only a screwdriver is needed.
All three collections are modular. All Fixturelite micro markets can stand on their own, and they can all be combined with other pieces from the same collections.
Quality with Value
"Fixturelite found a way to maintain the quality of their product, but have made it more affordable," said Closser, calling the new approach "extremely creative," and pointing to new colors, new trims and new design ideas. "We haven't seen anyone doing anything like this," he added. "They have taken the best quality retail merchandising features from their highest-end product and found a way to apply those elements to the new collections."
Ready to Compete?
"I think Steve Closser is right on target. Competition for the best locations is going to intensify and some of that competition may come from outside our industry – from the convenience store sector, acquisitions, or even some opportunistic newcomers," said Orlando. "Experienced operators know one thing. They can count on Fixturelite to give them a competitive advantage."
Be Ready to Compete!
See the 2020 Collections at www.fixturelite.com
