GERMANY. Automated Retail Concepts, the Dutch developer of self-service shopping concepts, will introduce two units of “˜The Shopping Wall‘ at Frankfurt Airport in January, via Gebr Heinemann.
The travel retailer will sell perfumes and cosmetics from the units at two gates, focusing on its 40 best-selling lines. The retailer hopes to boost both service levels and revenues via this last-minute shopping format.
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The Shopping Wall at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers a wide variety of “˜See Buy Fly’ articles for last-minute shopping |
A technical pilot of The Shopping Wall, which began at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in August, proved successful, Automated Retail Concepts Managing Partner Eric van Velzen told The Moodie Report.
In November the machine was moved to a busier location at Schiphol’s C-Pier to test its full commercial potential.
So far results have been “very encouraging” and market research shows that passengers welcome this new facility, Van Velzen said. At Schiphol Airport The Shopping Wall offers a wide variety of “˜See Buy Fly’ articles, such as electronics, books, watches, toys and souvenirs.
ABOUT THE SHOPPING WALL
Click on the ‘play’ button to view a video of The Shopping Wall |
The Shopping Wall is a fully automated retail concept based on advanced vending machine technology – with a twist. It is a stand-alone fully automated retail shop, presented in an expandable modular format.
“The Shopping Wall is like buying online, but with direct gratification,” Van Velzen claimed.
It offers 24/7 retailing, 365 days a year, he said. “Self-service technology is a cost-effective retail solution, a new way to increase revenues, another link to service, reliable, easy to use and a worldwide trend,” Van Velzen added.
Each machine is designed to accommodate a variety of saleable goods, such as cameras, electronics, mobile phones, perfumes, cosmetics, toys, gifts, gadgets, media (books, CDs and DVDs), watches, sunglasses, as well as travel essentials including drugstore items. It can also be used to offer promotional bargains.
The machine can house products to a maximum size of 25 x 25 x30 cm, holding up to 500 products.
“The flexibility of the machine is important – it is easy to target specific customer groups and accommodate a variety of goods which can be changed overnight. Access to the machine can be obtained from any computer (even mobile), so the retailer has 24/7 control over the machine and knows exactly what has been sold and what’s in stock,” Van Velzen said.
The machines can also be placed within existing stores to increase speed of service during busy periods or installed outside the shop to cater to customers after closing hours. They can also be placed in Arrivals halls or any protected high-traffic places, such as business class lounges.
The only thing needed to support The Shopping Wall is a Wi-Fi or ADSL connection and electricity (with standard 110/220V).
The machine is designed to be easily assembled, providing retailers with another vehicle for advertising and branding.
For more information, contact Eric van Velzen, tel: +31 20 642 9096, mobile: +31 6 23 190 758, or e-mail: info@aureco.nl. Visit www.aureco.nl or www.shopping-wall.com.
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