Micro Markets constitute a retail sector closely associated with the vending machine industry.
They employ automated self-checkout technology and are commonly found in locations that require unattended payment systems. Micro Markets offer grab-and-go retail environments where customers can purchase products from open shelves, coolers, and freezers. [1]
A Micro Markets resembles a modern convenience store but functions as a fusion of vending, foodservice, and refreshment services. They typically consist of open rack displays, refrigerated coolers or freezers, and self-checkout kiosks.
The top micro-market companies in the United States are as follows:
National Leaders: Canteen, AVI Food Systems, Aramark
Regional Leaders: Cromer Food Services (South Carolina), Evergreen Vending (Pacific Northwest), Maumee Valley Group (Ohio, Michigan and Indiana), and Servomation (New York State)
A typical Micro Market generally stocks between 150 and 400 products—a notable contrast to the standard vending machine's capacity of around 40 products. [2]
