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5 Reasons Micro Markets Are
Thriving During COVID-19

During COVID-19, many foodservice providers had to close their doors while they scrambled to adapt to new standards of safety. But through it all, micro markets were already in a great position to thrive during and after the pandemic.

As a result of COVID-19, the days of self-service from communal trays have lost their popularity and a new health-conscious consumer has emerged. Many in the food industry rushed to add plexiglass to provide separation between guest seating, reduced the number of guests allowed in their establishment at a time, and other methods to adapt to new health and safety standards. Micro markets didn't have to adapt as they were already perfectly positioned to thrive during COVID-19, and here's why.

  1. Micro Markets Are Naturally Socially Distanced
    Micro markets don't have a cashier or additional staff you need to interact with to get your food items. They are a self-service, contactless kiosk which means you can minimize the risk of coming into contact with germs. Additionally, micro market vending is cashless which further reduces the risk of contracting germs from paper money.

    Because micro markets were designed for open spaces and the busy consumer, they are naturally socially distanced with plenty of space for multiple customers to shop at a time. With quick visits at micro market kiosks, there is never a need to be shoulder-to-shoulder with another customer as you make your food purchases.
  2. Micro Markets Offer Packaged Meals for Individual Servings
    The types of snacks and meals offered at micro markets were designed for the individual on the go. As such, all items are individually packaged which gives consumers a sense of ease knowing their food didn't come into contact with any germs. The food and snacks offered at micro markets have always been stored in displays that keep them fresh and safely stored for consumption.
  3. Micro Markets Are Minimally Reliant on Staff
    Traditional restaurants, cafeterias, and grocery stores require staff to be able to operate. But what happens when someone gets sick or can't make it to work? Micro market technology is minimally reliant on staff to be open for business. This means you don't have to worry about someone being there to operate. All you need is someone to stock the shelves periodically with new products. During stay-at-home orders, micro markets were able to stay open for those that still needed to go into the office or travel.
  4. Micro Markets Don't Have a Set Menu
    Other types of businesses have a menu of meals, snacks, and other items their customers expect you to have on a regular basis. During COVID-19 when supply chain shortages were frequent, they often had to remove items from their menus. At a micro market, you can stock a wide variety of items and you don't have a set menu that you need to always have available. So, when supply chain shortages make it impossible to stock an item, you have a variety of other items for your customers to select from.
  5. Micro Markets Can Easily Be Set Up in Multiple Locations
    Micro markets are not just for office spaces, airports, or schools, but they are also useful for providing essentials in areas that make a difference. In areas where groceries stores are few and far in between, a well-stocked micro market with the essentials like milk, bread, eggs, medicine, and more can help reduce the number of trips outside of your neighborhood. When positioned in hospitals, essential workers can benefit from healthy meals during long shifts where it is most convenient. With the flexibility on the amount of space required, they can be established wherever the need is greatest.

    Micro marketing vending is the go-to solution during and after COVID-19. With the convenience and safety to customers regardless of where they are located, we know they are here to stay. A micro market kiosk can be established in an office space, school, hotel, airport, gas station, hospital, retail environment, and many more locations.
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Get More Insights & Tips On Micro Markets

In our latest guide—The Complete Guide to Micro Markets—we highlight everything you need to know. Including:

  • Insights for increasing revenue and decreasing labor costs
  • The 8 benefits of micro markets
  • The top selling products to feature in micro markets
  • The difference between micro markets and vending machines (ROI included)
  • And so much more!

Download a copy of your free micro market guide today.

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Only Hubert delivers the expertise and products to solve complex challenges like overcoming the labor shortage, driving more food sales, and creating a memorable experience for customers.

For 75 years we’ve helped many industries—including hospitality, education, food retail, healthcare, retail, and more—overcome these unique challenges with our expertise and line of products, including displayware, display fixtures, décor, signage, bar & beverage, food prep equipment, large commercial equipment, ice machines, merchandisers, and back of the house equipment.

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