Automatic Merchandiser - 6

EDITOR'S NOTE

There Is No "New Normal"

Abby White
Editor
awhite@
vendingmarketwatch.com

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Facebook/VendingMarket
@VendingMagazine
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groups/3927197

If there is one
constant,
operators have
had to remain
agile and ready
to pivot to meet
the changing
needs of their
clients ..."

6

Editorial
Advisory
Board

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating,
but there are silver linings for operators

Joe Hessling

THERE HAS BEEN MUCH DISCUSSION AROUND THE IDEA OF A

Josh
Rosenberg

"new normal" in the post-COVID-19 world. At press time, COVID-19
cases are rising in many areas of the country, forcing some businesses
to temporarily close or reduce services, while other business owners are
making the difficult decision to permanently close. Some employers are
hesitant to bring their employees back into an office environment, leading
operators to wonder about the extent of the work-from-home trend.
Perhaps there is no "new normal." If there is one constant, operators
have had to remain agile and ready to pivot to meet the changing
needs of their clients, most of whom are also struggling with declining
revenues and an uncertain future.
Operators have a reason to remain optimistic, though. As we
reported in our last issue, our annual State of the Industry report on
vending and micro markets revealed that 2019 was the strongest year
yet for convenience services. While we still don't know what the postpandemic world will look like, one thing is certain: Consumers will
want to purchase food and beverages in a safe and convenient way, and
this industry is ready to meet that need.
In this issue, we discuss how to manage a safe and welcoming micro
market throughout COVID-19 and beyond. While operators have always
adhered to high standards of cleaning and sanitization in markets,
it's important to communicate to clients and their employees about
the extra cautionary steps being taken in light of the pandemic. Clear
communication with your accounts shows that you are taking care of
them and can help ease anxiety around using micro markets. Your clients
will appreciate that you are going the extra mile to provide meals, snacks
and beverages so their employees don't have to leave the workplace.
Operators have also had to change how they manage office coffee
service (OCS) accounts. Fortunately, suppliers started developing
touchless solutions long before the pandemic hit, enabling consumers
to order, personalize and, if needed, pay for their beverage without
touching any equipment. We also discuss how operators can maintain
tight security in their operations, especially throughout the pandemic
- business owners should exercise extra caution as criminals could take
advantage of small businesses in a struggling and chaotic economy.
While the COVID-19 crisis has been devastating, there are some silver
linings for operators. Technology suppliers report that the pandemic
has accelerated the trend toward cashless and contactless payments as
consumers place a high priority on touch-free transactions. As consumers
grow more comfortable with mobile payments, they may be more willing
to sign up for loyalty programs, increasing engagement and overall sales.
Whatever the future holds, we're with you every step of the way.

Automatic Merchandiser * August 2020

365 Retail
Markets

CEO, PLNTSOP

John Reilly
Avanti Markets

Anant Agrawal
Cantaloupe
Systems
USA Technologies

Elyssa Steiner
Cantaloupe
Systems
USA Technologies

Carl Moser
Canteen
Corporate

Chuck Reed
Crane Payment
Innovations (CPI)

Jeff Whitacre
Food Express

Cory Hewett
Gimme
Michael Miller
Mondelēz
International

Paresh Patel
PayRange

Jeff Deitchler
Prairie Fire
Coffee

Jim Carbone
Tradecraft

Sandy
Thornton
VendEdge
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Automatic Merchandiser

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