MIDDLE EAST. If the passenger doesn’t come to the store, bring the store to the passenger. That’s the philosophy underpinning a simple yet compelling new innovation from Umdasch The Store Makers, designed to deliver (in this case literally) the ultimate in shopping convenience.
Dubbed the Retail Cart, the concept has already found its way into three major Middle East air travel hubs: Beirut Rafic Hariri International (two in operation by Beirut Duty Free), Muscat International (Muscat Duty Free) and Bahrain International (Bahrain Duty Free) airports.
Umdasch designs fully mobile sales areas on the chassis of electric vehicles, suitable for individual brands or retailers. The retail carts are equipped with all the standard functions found in traditional shops, such as POS terminals, display shelves and roller shutters.
Umdasch said the design and size of each individual retail cart is freely selectable to suit any airport or duty free store. For example, it pointed out that the body can be formed in the shape of an airplane, suitcase or even a cigar, to match the products being sold.
Umdasch The Store Makers General Manager Global Brand & Travel Retail Michael Ripfl told The Moodie Davitt Report: “With our retail carts, travellers can have the brand or product of their choice find them at their location in the airport, rather than having to search multiple stores. For large airports, the retail cart is the ideal way to reach more customers who are in a hurry and on the move. The result is a greatly increased customer experience and, of course, more sales.”
Additional features and benefits include a driver’s compartment, LED lights, a zero emissions engine with smooth and quiet operation, ergonomic design and low maintenance costs.
