With over 5 million vending machines nationwide, Japan has the highest density of these consumer good automated boxes and UNIQLO is no stranger to this.
After building the world’s biggest vending machine at their Harajuku store, the retail powerhouse has just released Uniqlo To Go, a vending machine containing clothes for travelers and passersby to be installed in 10 locations across the US, including malls and airports.
These “Uniqlo To Go” vending machines will stock two of the most popular items from the brand’s “LifeWear” collection: a thermal heat-tech T-shirt ($14.90) and a lightweight down jacket ($69.90). These will come in different sizes and colors.
Customers will be able to choose the product with a click of a button and pay using the machine.
The vending machines allow Uniqlo to open in different markets and grow their presence in the US without having to commit to investing in stores. It also allows them to take advantage of heavy foot traffic in busy airports. The first vending machine launched at Oakland International Airport on Wednesday, August 9th. The next nine will open around the U.S throughout August and September.
So far, confirmed locations include Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles, Houston Airport, and Queens Center in New York.
The retail world is no novice when it comes to vending machines. Many brands have incorporated the playful aesthetic into their marketing with clever visual displays from Rag & Bone’s signature sneakers and Prizes at Moschino, to the famous “Fendi’ng Machine” by Fendi.
Rag & Bone, January 2016
Moschino, July 2014
Fendi, August 2014