Smart stores deliver on promises of reducing theft and shrinkage, say operators
Self-service retail solutions help vending operators, food and beverage vendors and other retailers address challenges such as labor shortages, theft and shrinkage. To meet market demand, Cantaloupe Inc. is launching its Smart Store 600 and 700 models, two self-service smart coolers with a small footprint and large capacity.
“We’ve heard from retailers about core customer and operational challenges, which encompass product accessibility, store locations, theft prevention and inventory management,” noted Jeff Dumbrell, chief revenue officer of Cantaloupe Inc., in a release. “Our Smart Stores can solve all these issues in traditional retail environments — think of locked-up razors and high-end beauty products — while extending retail brands into new footprints like airports and college campuses. Additionally, Smart Stores provide a more modern and secure alternative to traditional food and beverage vending machines.”
Retailers and vending operators who have already installed a Cantaloupe Smart Store emphasize the immediate benefits of the solution. “We at Galls have been searching for a solution to offer our retail products more conveniently across military bases,” said Josh Sandhaus, vice president of military operations at Galls, the parent company of U.S. Patriot, in a release. “The Smart Store 700 Duo has been a game changer for us.
“We can stock a diverse range of retail products and reduce our labor costs while maintaining a high standard of security,” Sandhaus continued. “We also create additional brand awareness with customized marketing wraps on each Smart Store. We’ve seen an incredibly positive response from our customers, who appreciate the on-demand access to products like caps, tape, headlamps, batteries, flashlights, notepads, socks and more. Because of its success, we plan to expand Smart Stores across all our U.S. Patriot locations.”
Ron Barrett, CEO of Barrett Vending in Houston, was equally positive. “The Smart Store is the next great technology for vending. It has opened up entirely new sales opportunities for our business. We went from seeing 12% in theft at a micro market placed in a car dealership to 0% with the Smart Store 600 Quad. And the best part is the client loves it, from the way it works to the modern look it provides their dealership.”
Cantaloupe’s Smart Stores are intended for residential buildings, fitness centers, hotel pantries and other locations that need around-the-clock access to a self-service retail outlet. The Smart Store uses weighted shelves and cameras to monitor inventory and minimize shrinkage. Touchscreens, audio help and visual cues help streamline each customer's experience. Planograms and product restocking can be updated through the POS or back-end portal. Operators can scale from one to four units and stock various products, from clothing to sporting goods.
