‘U*tique' Upscale Automated Retail Shopping
Katie Cordrey — March 23, 2009 — Business
References: utiqueshop & retailcustomerexperience
U*tique is an interactive, touch-sensitive, automated luxury store for “life’s little emergencies and indulgences.” The shops offer an assortment of luxury and personal-care items and have made their debut at Studio, the specialty boutique within Los Angeles’s Fred Segal.
U*tique, will dispense gadgets, makeup, skincare and hair-care items by high-end and niche labels. 29-year-old creator Mara Segal explains, “I wanted to bring luxury personal-care products to women who are racing from a hotel to a meeting or a workout and perhaps forgot a lip balm.”
Segal plans to install U*tiques in boutique hotel lobbies, upscale gym locker rooms, nightclub lounges, premium shopping malls and airports over the next two years.
You can view a Quicktime Movie here.
Image Credits for Photos 1-4:
Photography: Michael Jacobson
Model: Laura Weaver
Styled by Flair at Fred Segal
Shoes by Valentino and Jimmy Choo, courtesy of Madison at Fred Segal SaMo
Hair: Carlos Ortiz at Preece & Toff Fred Segal
Make-up: Angell Denler - Studio Beautymix, Stila Cosmetics
U*tique, will dispense gadgets, makeup, skincare and hair-care items by high-end and niche labels. 29-year-old creator Mara Segal explains, “I wanted to bring luxury personal-care products to women who are racing from a hotel to a meeting or a workout and perhaps forgot a lip balm.”
Segal plans to install U*tiques in boutique hotel lobbies, upscale gym locker rooms, nightclub lounges, premium shopping malls and airports over the next two years.
You can view a Quicktime Movie here.
Image Credits for Photos 1-4:
Photography: Michael Jacobson
Model: Laura Weaver
Styled by Flair at Fred Segal
Shoes by Valentino and Jimmy Choo, courtesy of Madison at Fred Segal SaMo
Hair: Carlos Ortiz at Preece & Toff Fred Segal
Make-up: Angell Denler - Studio Beautymix, Stila Cosmetics
Trend Themes
1. Automated Retail - There is an opportunity to disrupt traditional brick and mortar retail by introducing more automated and interactive shopping experiences like U*tique.
2. Luxury Convenience - There is a trend towards luxury personal-care products being more conveniently accessible in vending machine form to busy customers on the go.
3. Niche Product Vending - Vending machines are no longer just for snacks and drinks; there is an opportunity to introduce more niche products and luxury brands to customers through vending machines like U*tique.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Traditional brick and mortar retailers can innovate by introducing more interactive and automated shopping experiences similar to U*tique.
2. Hospitality - Hotels and airports can provide additional luxury personal-care products and convenience by installing vending machines like U*tique in their lobbies or lounges.
3. Beauty - Luxury beauty and personal-care brands can expand their reach and make their products more accessible by partnering with U*tique and other similar vending machines.
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