LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. -- Motorola Inc. said it is the first mobile device manufacturer to offer its products to consumers through robotic retail stores in a pilot program providing automated, on-demand retail vending machines in key markets.
Moving beyond the traditional retail experience, Motorola is testing this new automated format as a way to directly connect with consumers in places and at times where convenience is needed most.
These robotic stores will be branded "Instantmoto, and are expected to be deployed in approximately 20 [image-nocss] locations nationwide from airports to malls by November 2006. The stores will house more than 25 Motorola products including carrier-ready MOTORAZR handsets, Bluetooth-enabled headsets, cordless phones, car chargers and more. Currently, these vending systems are in the San Francisco International Airport and Macy's in downtown Chicago (the former Marshall Fields flagship store), in addition to more locations across the country.
Leveraging small format robotic stores operated by Zoom Systems, the new retail option will be placed in high-traffic locations, giving consumers the immediate satisfaction of getting the products they need and want on demand, the company said.
"Continuing our effort to reinvent mobile retail culture and transform the consumer experience, this on-demand retail solution is an interesting approach to the many extensions of our retail strategy," said Jason Few, Corporate Vice President, Global Retail, Motorola. "This pilot program is an opportunity to bring never-seen-before convenience to consumers who are looking for ways to make life easier."
San Francisco-based Zoom Systems offers 30 square-foot robotic stores that are open 24 hours a day and use technology to provide consumers with easy access to products from high-profile brands. Brands in alliance include Motorola, Sony, Proactiv and others. Zoom Systems is also an authorized Apple reseller. It plans to place these units in high-traffic locations such as airports, hotels, malls, colleges and retail stores, it said.
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