Uniqlo deploys apparel vending machines
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Uniqlo has deployed its first apparel vending machines at key locations across the USA, as the Japanese retailer looks to enter new markets.
Dubbed ‘Uniqlo to Go’, the fashion vending machines are popping up in select American airport terminals during August.
According to the Fast Retailing-owned brand, the first ten are scheduled for Oakland Airport, where the vending machine bowed on Wednesday, followed by one in the Hollywood and Highland Centre in Los Angeles on August 10; Houston Airport, August 17, and Queens Center, Elmhurst, New York, August 22.
The six remaining locations will be revealed soon, a Uniqlo spokesperson told WWD this week. Locations have been decided upon based on their potential for high-traffic and customer visibility.
“We’re already talking with amusement parks, train stations, entertainment conventions and movie theatres about additional opportunities,” said the spokesperson. “The goal is to open new markets and use machines as an introduction to our products.”
As for the operation of the vending machines, customers can use both debit or credit cards and access product via touch screens and a user interface.
After browsing products, selecting and completing the transaction, a robotic arm retrieves the product. A conveyor shelf moves the item onto the robotic arm and the arm brings it to a window. From here, the customer can access the items.
Apparel available for purchase includes Uniqlo’s Heat Tech Ultralight down jackets (US$69.9) and Heat Tech tops ($14.90). Both items are available in a variety of colours and styles for men and women.
The company said it plans to expand to graphic t-shirts, Airism, and then innerwear items such as socks and underwear.
Earlier in the year, Uniqlo said it plans to double its store count in Europe to 100 outlets over the next three years, in a bid to strengthen its retail presence outside of Asia.
Uniqlo is eyeing global sales of 3 trillion yen ($26.6 billion) by the fiscal year ending August 2020.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary goal Uniqlo hopes to achieve by deploying these apparel vending machines?
What is the primary goal Uniqlo hopes to achieve by deploying these apparel vending machines?
The retailer aims to open new markets and use these machines as an introduction to its products. Locations have been chosen for their potential for high traffic and customer visibility, including airports and entertainment venues.
Q.Which items are initially available for purchase from Uniqlo's new vending machines?
Which items are initially available for purchase from Uniqlo's new vending machines?
Customers can initially buy Heat Tech Ultralight down jackets and Heat Tech tops. Both items are offered in various colours and styles for men and women, with plans to expand the product range later.
Q.Where are the first few 'Uniqlo to Go' vending machines being deployed in the USA?
Where are the first few 'Uniqlo to Go' vending machines being deployed in the USA?
The first ten machines are scheduled for Oakland Airport, followed by locations at the Hollywood and Highland Centre in Los Angeles, Houston Airport, and Queens Center in Elmhurst, New York. Six more locations will be announced soon.
Q.How do customers interact with the vending machines to make a purchase?
How do customers interact with the vending machines to make a purchase?
Customers can use debit or credit cards and access products via touch screens and a user interface. After selection and payment, a robotic arm retrieves the item and moves it to a window for collection.
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