What is a Micro Market?
Micro markets are unattended, cashless, retail spaces with secure self-serve checkouts, where employees can pick and choose refreshments to suit their moods, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The idea for the Micro Market was conceived and introduced in 2015 and in the past five years they have replaced lots of vending machines across companies all over the world. The Micro Market is unique in the sense that it looks like a modern convenience store but has some of the functionality of vending and refreshment services.
Our micro markets are bespoke in their design, keeping your brand and business in mind every step of the way, ensuring it is able to deliver on every possible level whilst keeping your employees happy in the workplace.
We have selected a product range with variety firmly at the core of our offering. We all have our favourites and we all like to try something a little different from time to time. If fresh is best, no problem. Fancy a meal deal? Easy. Hot or cold, fruity or savoury, food or drink, we’ve got something for everyone.
Why Choose a Micro Market?
How many of your employees go to one of the high street coffee chains on their way into the office, for meetings or to simply take a break?
Now, with R+R Hub, you can bring that experience into the workplace and make it the heart of the company.
Our hubs create a happy and engaging environment where people want to come and work, socialise, or take a break.
They will transform your current breakout area or canteen facilities in the workplace into an inviting, engaging, and rewarding space resulting in a fantastic impact on your company culture.
However, Micro Markets go way beyond snacking and chatting!
They can become a powerful extension of your brand, boost your culture and act as a touchpoint for your wider company values.
As our micro markets are designed to be totally customisable, the style, look and overall feel of your hub is up to you and your team.
Our hubs boast a huge selection of fresh foods, snacks and beverages, giving you a perfect cost effective alternative to canteen facilities in the workplace.
Benefits of a Micro Market
Micro Markets bring many benefits to both the employer and employees. With too many to list, here are Our Sensational 6!
Our Technology
A dedicated separate broadband line so as not to interfere with your own internal IT systems. This connection will be used to process all payments, access the CCTV, provide live sales data and to manage digital media content.
These super sharp displays provide a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your latest news and announcements. They also double up as our ever-changing menu and promotion boards.
With our integrated CCTV, your hub can be open 24/7 with minimal concerns over security. So regardless of shift patterns, there will always be a refreshment offering available.
Our tills come equipped with a large barcode scanner and touchscreen for easy selection. Payments can be made using a variety of cashless methods, such as card, our mobile app or payment on account.
With our account card, each department can treat their team or visitors, with purchases being billed monthly. Also, why not talk to us about linking this to your door access system.
Food Options
We all have our favourites and we all like to try something a little different from time to time. If fresh is best, no problem. Fancy a meal deal? Easy. Hot or cold, fruity or savoury, food or drink, we’ve got something for everyone and we ensure to cater for all dietary requirements.
Meal Deals
Who doesn’t love a deal? Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or an afternoon treat, we’ll have regular offers available throughout the day
Fresh Food
Regular replenishing means there will always be the freshest food available ready for when hunger strikes
Hot Food
From porridge to soup and even microwavable meals, there will be a hot food option no matter the time of day.
Drinks
It’s important to keep hydrated throughout the working day, with access to a variety of hot and cold drinks you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Snacks
Whether it’s healthy or indulgent, sweet or savoury, there will be something for everyone
Dietry Requirements
Just like fashion, food is subject to trends, revivals and periods of frenzy. We ensure to cater for all requirements.
Our Process
Micro Market VS Vending Machines
Traditionally businesses have relied on vending machines to provide their employees with a snacking option throughout the day but in recent years the micro market has taken precedence thanks to its capacity to provide much more than just quick, easy food. So, what are the real differences between the micro market model and vending?
Higher volume of products
While a traditional vending machine might only have the capacity for around 40 products, your average Micro Market is going to be able to stock anywhere between 150-400 products, meaning that employees are going to benefit from much more choice. Because of this, there is much more opportunity for a Micro Market to cater to varying different dietary requirements (gluten-free, vegan etc).
Fresher, healthier options with a Micro Market
It’s no secret that people are becoming more interested in health and the foods that they consume and for those that are health conscious, a micro market is a great option. Fresh food options are more readily available because the product can be restocked daily, unlike a vending machine that will typically have pre-packaged food.
Because of this, a micro market has the advantage of being both convenient and healthy. It’s important that business owners and managers consider the benefits that this can have for their business. Employees consuming healthier food items and avoiding processed items will likely be able to concentrate on tasks better, will feel better and will subsequently be able to achieve more at work.
Layout, space and sociability
While vending machines tend to be placed in meaningful places in offices, the space around them is rarely maximised to create a social area for employees to relax. The opposite is true for micro markets, which will encompass breakout spaces where people can catch up with colleagues, unwind and even hold informal meetings. Micro markets can be seen as a hub that employees can get together around, whereas a vending machine lacks the same social benefits.
A different kind of self-service
Clearly, there are a number of distinguishable differences between traditional vending machines and a Micro Market. Though the vending machine is a choice that has been around much longer, some might argue that its offering has become outdated in terms of choice, scope and its place in modern working environments.
The Micro Market has the benefit of acting as a ‘hub’ within the workplace, creating somewhere not only for employees to refuel but to socialise too. Meetings of all kinds can take place around a Micro Market and it gives businesses the opportunity to convey their forward-thinking nature and commitment to maintaining high levels of morale and wellbeing for their employees.