Micro Markets

UK operator introduces 'smart fridge' option

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April 22, 2021

Connect Vending, a Wallingford, U.K. based convenience services provider, has introduced smart fridges as an option to vending machines and "full" micro markets, the company announced on its website.

The company noted that micro markets are still an emergent concept in the U.K. compared to the U.S.

The typical objection to micro markets in the U.K. is the concern about the possibility of employees not paying for items.

The micro market smart fridge, described as a fit between a fresh food vending machine and a full micro-market, addresses this issue by requiring pre-authorization of purchase.

The consumer pre-authorizes a contactless payment device by scanning it at the machine. Once the device is scanned, it unlocks the machine, allowing the consumer to select products, then close the fridge. The payment card gets charged automatically.

Weighted shelve technology can provide an extra layer of security without requiring staff.