Former Google employee, Paul McDonald, plans to streamline the way New Yorkers do their shopping. While online groceries don’t require any need to leave the block, customers do have to wait for their order. Moreover, New York usually offers corner shops which are still a few minutes away from people’s comfortable apartments. Therefore, McDonald’s solution is to spread smart store kiosks through the city which will be placed right in people’s apartment buildings.
The New Startup Offers People a Third Way to Do Their Shopping
Paul McDonald’s new startup called Bodega has just finalized a fundraising round which resulted in a budget of $2.5 million. The CEO intends to use the money to install a multitude of kiosks that are similar to convenience stores. Their target locations will be inside populated buildings such as apartment blocks, gyms, and others. These self-serving services will offer products that people usually need such as a jug of milk or dishwashing detergent.
The company claims that there are already 30 operational bodegas throughout the Bay Area. McDonald commented that his business offers a third option for people to do their shopping. He downsized a convenience store, loaded it up with necessary goods, and placed it almost at doorsteps.
“There’s really only been two options: you can go to the store, or you can order something online.”
The Smart Store Kiosks Use Latest Technology to Save People Time
However, Bodega startup will have to go against a pretty developed network of corner stores and business vending machines. Small, neighborhood retailers became an icon for the New York City as they offer not only products but also quality social connections. On top of that, Bodega’s target business buildings have already invested in standalone systems of vending machines and internal stores that employees got accustomed with already.
A bodega looks like a cabinet filled with goods. Customers have to create an account where they link their banking information. In exchange, they receive a three-digit password. They use their code to open any of such smart store kiosks and choose their products. This is where their efforts stop. On the other hand, the company will monitor what each customer buys through cameras. They charge the costs online on their credit cards.
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