What is a Micro Market?

A Micro Market is the future of workplace refreshments, offering more than traditional vending with unique features and benefits for both businesses and their staff.

Having just unveiled our 12th Micro Market recently, let’s explore everything you need to know about this facility to help determine whether it’s the right solution for your workplace.

So, what exactly is a Micro Market?

A Micro Market is an unmanned space where people can purchase a variety of food and beverages around the clock.

It combines the convenience of traditional vending with the benefits of retail, providing an experience similar to a corner shop or convenience store. Individuals can browse products at their leisure before paying at a self-serve payment terminal.

You’re unlikely to find two Micro Markets that are the same. That’s because they are built to your unique specifications, adaptable to almost any available space, and stocked with your choice of products.

From there, the Micro Market is fully managed, including maintenance and replenishment, delivering a minimalist refreshment solution for businesses.

Features of a Micro Market

A Micro Market builds on the traditional convenience of a vending machine but offers a more comprehensive solution, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—essentially whenever your business is open.

While some features of a Micro Market are similar to vending, there are several key differences:

• Unattended retail environment

In many ways, the Micro Market replicates a corner shop or convenience store. The larger variety of products is displayed on open shelves or in fridges, offering a refreshment solution that stands out from traditional vending.

Payment is handled through a cashless, self-service terminal for speed and security. It’s remarkably easy to use—just scan, pay, and go!

• Product variety

Shelves and fridges allow a Micro Market to accommodate far more products than a traditional vending machine.

From fresh sandwiches, wraps, and salads as part of Coinadrink’s popular fresh food service, to crisps, cold drinks, and barista-style beverages, the Micro Market can store hundreds of products—ideal for any time of the day.

And just like vending, stock is automatically replenished based on your unique purchasing habits.

• Advanced self-checkout

You’re probably familiar with self-service checkout in many shops and supermarkets. The Micro Market adopts a similar system.

Simply scan your items and pay using whichever cashless method is most convenient—whether it’s a debit/credit card, contactless payment, or mobile payment. Our payment terminal also allows you to use a pre-paid “market card.”

• A true shopping experience

Our Micro Market can run real-time offers and promotions, such as free coffees via loyalty points or discounts on products.

This brings the high-street experience into your workplace, promoting usage and making the facility fun and enticing to use.

Micro Market benefits

Whether you’re a small office with fewer than 50 staff or a large manufacturing depot with over 500 employees, the Micro Market can work for your business.

Benefits for your business:

1. Encourage staff to remain on-site for refreshments, helping them get back to work quicker—especially if fast food outlets or shops aren’t nearby.
2. Increase staff satisfaction by offering a valuable employee perk. There’s no need for a catering company, and employees can grab a coffee or a snack whenever they need, thanks to the 24/7 availability.
3. Ultimately, this leads to a more positive company culture, helping to retain and attract key talent. A Micro Market could also represent greater value than alternative solutions.

Benefits for your staff:

1. The Micro Market offers a comprehensive refreshment solution just steps from their desk.
2. A wide variety of products, including healthier food and drink options.
3. It encourages staff to take breaks when needed, which is essential for preventing burnout. The Micro Market can also be integrated into an existing or new breakout area, where employees can relax and collaborate.

Should I choose a Micro Market or a vending machine?

Generally, while a Micro Market can be suitable for sites with as few as 40–50 employees, it represents better value for larger sites.

For businesses with fewer than 50 people, a vending machine might be a better option. Vending machines are smaller, require less space, and can still provide hot drinks, snacks, cold beverages, and fresh food on-site.

You can also install multiple vending machines if one doesn’t meet your needs.

While vending machines are ideal for small offices, a Micro Market is more appropriate for serviced offices, manufacturing depots, or locations with higher usage.

Both vending machines and Micro Markets are unmanned and available whenever your business is, and both can be fully managed, including maintenance and replenishment, for total peace of mind.

Talk to our team for guidance on the best refreshment solution for your business.

Implementing a Micro Market

Coinadrink Limited was the first company to introduce the Micro Market to the UK, and we have over a decade of experience making it work for businesses.

A Micro Market is designed to be uniquely yours. After an initial consultation, our team will work with you to bring your vision to life. We can create as many mock-ups as necessary to perfect the design before partnering with Nebrak Ltd, our trusted shopfitters, for the build.

The specification can also clarify other requirements, such as data points, required data speeds for the payment terminal, and power outlets.

Once complete, our merchandisers will stock your Micro Market with the products you’ve requested and will continue to replenish it as needed.

The future of the Micro Market

Our Micro Market stands out because we design our own software, giving us greater control to continuously improve the customer experience.

Looking ahead, more businesses are expected to adopt this cutting-edge solution. Advanced technology and innovation mean the Micro Market has room to evolve, from the products it offers to the promotions we run.

Many of our customers are already tapping into the benefits by making the Micro Market a central part of grand breakout areas. With flat-screen TVs, comfy seating, hydration stations, and even gaming tables, the possibilities for the modern workplace are endless.

Coinadrink recently installed its 12th Micro Market in the West Midlands. And demand is only growing.

Talk to us about a Micro Market

Your own Micro Market is ready and waiting.

Drop us a message or give us a call at 01922 640777. Our team would be happy to help make your vision a reality.