Raleigh, USA ㅡ JUXTA, a trailblazing global technology enterprise and provider of micro convenience retail stores, is on the brink of transforming the retail landscape with the introduction of its pioneering JUXTA Nomad ─ a fully equipped, pre-assembled, and autonomously operated marvel.
In a bid to cater to the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) charging domain, the JUXTA Nomad can be effortlessly set up and operational within just 12 hours, enabling drivers and passengers to indulge in food and beverage purchases while awaiting their vehicles to charge.
Emerging in 2022 as a US-based corporate startup, JUXTA was conceived by Vontier, a worldwide industrial technology leader, housing Gilbarco Veeder-Root, an eminent supplier of fueling and convenience store equipment.
Om Shankar, CEO and Co-founder of JUXTA, stated, "JUXTA's genesis lies in ushering a technology-driven transformation within the micro-retail domain. Our purpose revolves around assisting station operators in transitioning from conventional hydrocarbon fuel stations to EV charging points. We aim to collaborate with established retail brands, extending their footprint beyond fuel dispensers by enhancing the charging station experience and fostering revenue growth."
Shankar went on to emphasize the distinctiveness of JUXTA's proposition, affirming, "Amidst the landscape of autonomous retail contenders, JUXTA stands out by offering an unparalleled turnkey store solution that necessitates no intricate integrations. Our Nomads are tailored exclusively for the micro convenience retail sector and are the outcome of meticulous design, development, and an extensive eighteen-month trial phase, aimed at offering manifold advantages to EV charging operators."
Addressing Retail Challenges
The JUXTA Nomad's autonomy alleviates the dependence on fixed human labor, addressing the persistent predicament of staffing woes in the retail realm.
With no requirement for staff accommodations or counters, the interior of the 264-square-foot (24.5-square-meter) Nomad is optimally allocated for inventory. This space, coupled with state-of-the-art shelving and presentation units, can house between 500 and 600 fast-moving, high-margin items.
Shankar elaborated, "The JUXTA Nomad pioneers the world's most profitable per square foot retail format. Each Nomad empowers customers with real-time data insights, enabling them to refine their retail strategy and precisely cater to their audience by stocking high-demand items, curbing waste, and augmenting profitability."
Seamless Access
During the EV charging downtime, drivers and passengers can relish an expedient and seamless retail experience. Without the need for app downloads or membership sign-ups, shoppers can promptly access the JUXTA Nomad with a simple touch of their debit or credit card ─ whether physically carried or digitally stored in their smartphone wallet or smartwatch.
Within the store, customers can peruse snacks, sandwiches, hot beverages, and fresh fruit, or opt for larger items for later at-home consumption. The range of items is determined by each Nomad's location and customer purchase data. For instance, Nomads stationed at remote EV charging points could prioritize on-the-go refreshments, while those near urban areas might offer larger meal options.
Cutting-edge sensors detect item selections, while discreet cameras identify shoppers. Cloud integration amalgamates this information, crafting a digital basket for each customer. In cases where legal, JUXTA's technology enables the sale of age-restricted items, employing age-verified fridges and dispensers. Proof of age, such as driving licenses, can also be requested and verified digitally.
Customers can review their purchases on a touchscreen before exiting, or they can swiftly leave, with JUXTA's technology recording purchases and facilitating automatic card charges.
Beyond EV Charging
Although primarily tailored for the burgeoning EV sector, JUXTA's Nomads harbor potential advantages for diverse industries. Requiring only electricity, these units eliminate the need for external water supply, utilizing in-store reservoirs for hot beverages. Installation of a JUXTA Nomad is a quick 12-hour process, enabling placement in various locales like hospital lots, festivals, campsites, and educational campuses. The store's layout isn't limited to typical convenience store items; it can be customized to accommodate diverse offerings, such as camping supplies.
Operators and retailers can brand both the interior and exterior of the Nomad, while maintenance and restocking responsibilities rest with the operator. JUXTA's AI and camera tech promptly identify and report hygiene issues.
JUXTA's Triumph and Global Endeavors
The hardware and software underpinning JUXTA's transformative retail concept have been rigorously validated, with successful trials of the first Nomad in North Carolina. Four additional Nomads in the US are poised for full operation later this year. Advanced discussions with European customers indicate the debut of JUXTA's Nomads in 2024, extending the innovative solution's reach across the globe.
