Product Feature
26
Markets also have a much higher theft
rate. According to Vending Market
Watch, typical shrinkage is about 4
percent, or roughly $3,000 per market
annually. While this is significant for
a single property, multi-property
owners see the most substantial losses.
Vending machines do not have this
issue. They also offer a safer solution
from a health standpoint, as customers
cannot touch multiple products like
they can with markets.”
Other companies providing
automated retail solutions include
UltraServ Automated Services, Swyft,
Silkron, DFY Vending, LE Vending,
Daalchini and Adnixpro. They supply
smart vending machines, robotic kiosks
and IoT-enabled systems offering 24/7
self-service, remote management
and real-time inventory tracking.
These solutions allow hotels to adjust
offerings based on guest demand,
reduce labor and increase revenue.
UltraServ serves more than 450
hotels, offices and schools across
Southern California, delivering tailor-
made solutions, the company says on
its website. It offers equipment loans
with a preventative maintenance
program and a 24/7 live answering
service.
“Managed markets represent the
evolution of the hospitality experience,
unleashing its full potential. Utilizing
cutting-edge technology, we enhance
your space, offering a delightful array
of meals, snacks, coffee,
hot and cold beverages, and
more, crafted exclusively
for your team,” the website
says. “While some regional
specialties may differ, our
clients always have the
option to personalize their
selections.”
Ancillary revenue
Mini-marts are appearing
in hotel lobbies, adjacent to
front desks and near lounge
or co-working areas. They
allow guests to purchase
packaged food, grab-and-
go meals, toiletries and
sometimes local goods.
Guests handle their own
purchases, billing disputes
are minimal and shrinkage is
easier to manage. Inventory
can be monitored in bulk
rather than room by room,
reducing labor costs.
“Hotel owners are always looking for
ways to increase profitability without
compromising guest experience,”
said Sciative Solutions, an AI-driven
revenue management firm in its
website. “Ancillary revenue—income
from services beyond room sales—can
be an effective but often overlooked
strategy for improving a hotel’s
financial performance.”
Sciative said hotels can generate
ancillary revenue by offering branded
merchandise, local products, and
convenience items. Partnerships with
local artisans provide unique souvenirs
and snacks, while everyday essentials
such as beverages and toiletries meet
guest needs and create an additional
income stream.
Hotel mini-markets or sundry
shops usually stock snacks, beverages,
grab-and-go meals, toiletries, OTC
medications and sometimes electronics
and chargers. Extended-stay properties
may also offer cooking ingredients,
meal-prep items and personal care
supplies. Unlike traditional outlets,
these markets can operate with little or
no staffing, using self-checkout kiosks
or mobile payment apps for continuous
operation, according to Modern
Amenities, a company specializing in
unattended retail solutions.
Manufacturers and
suppliers have recognized the
trend. Wanzl North America,
the U.S. arm of German
equipment manufacturer
Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA,
offers modular mini-market
systems with shelving,
cooling and freezing units,
bakery displays and digital
self-checkout. The company
also supplies hotels with
housekeeping and luggage
trolleys as well as front-office
equipment. These modular
setups let hotels scale
offerings based on space and
guest demand.
Retail-enabling
tech
Technology has been critical
in making mini-marts
viable. Self-checkout kiosks,
www.asianhospitality.com
September 2025 | Issue 24
Seaga’s machines vend consumer electronics, OTC products, industrial solutions, laundry items, meal
replacements and more, Farshtchi said.
Mark Farshtchi, sales manager at Seaga Manufacturing, Inc., said hotel
vending machines are not a new idea, but they are becoming more common