New working and commuting patterns post-lockdown are encouraging brands to experiment with new physical experiences that give customers 24/7 access to products and services, closer to their homes.
Brands are focusing on creating automated, self-service experiences that can be used at any time of the day, without assistance, enabling the new formats to be placed in high footfall locations. Automation ensures a consistent experience and meets new customer convenience needs for on-demand access and for safer, contact-free experiences in a post-covid world.
Pret A Manger has partnered with JDE Peet’s to trial self-service coffee machines. Called ‘Pret Express’, the new format will be rolled out to 20 different locations, including convenience stores, forecourts, universities, healthcare facilities and workplaces.
Pushing the concept further is Toronto-based start-up Dori which dubs itself ‘Canada’s first automated retail department store’. Dori plans to partner with well-known DTC brands to place their products in a network of smart vending machines, which can be placed in any location from hospitals to apartments.
Household takeout
As customers adopt a new way of living post-covid, experiment with new innovative formats beyond your existing store network to increase access to your offering.
Get in touch if you’d like to discuss how Household could help you evolve your experience to meet customers where they are.
Also in the news:
Retail:
Pret A Manger has partnered with JDE Peet’s to trial self-service coffee machines
Dori plans to partner with well-known DTC brands to create a network of smart vending machines
Asda introduces quiet hour to help customers with disabilities
Hospitality:
Fast fashion brand Pretty Little Thing opens its first UK hotel
Hilton’s lifestyle brand, Hilton by Motto will open its first location in NYC before the end of the year
Campaigns:
John Lewis launches its Christmas campaign
Initiatives:
Depop is now certified as a climate-neutral company by leading climate solutions provider South Pole
H&M launches virtual, vegan shopping line
IKEA extends its ‘Buy Back & Resell’ programme to more stores in the US
Image courtesy of Pret A Manger
