Mars Wrigley Candy Robot Targets Impulse Buys
“Smiley” will bring checkout-lane items like chocolate and gum to shoppers in a New York store pilot.
Feb 24, 2021 | 2 min read
MONROE, N.Y.—Would you buy candy from a robot? That’s what Mars Wrigley is banking on with its test run with Wakefern on a new candy robot, Drug Store News reports. The robot, called Smiley and made by Savioke, will dispense checkout lane items like candy to customers throughout the store. The companies are running a pilot of Smiley at a ShopRite in New York.
Smiley stocks Mars Wrigley products normally found near the cash registers. The store can quickly deploy store promotions and modify the robot’s actions based on immediate feedback. During the test, Mars Wrigley, Savioke and Wakefern will work closely together to modify Smiley to ensure optimal impulse purchases.
The robot emits catchy tunes and dances as it circles the store. Mars Wrigley’s Launchpad program devised Smiley. With research showing 78% of shoppers pick self-checkout for convenience and speed, traditional shopping patterns at checkout lanes have shifted, especially with impulse buys.
“As a treats and snacks category leader, we know that while trips to stores are becoming more focused and retailers are moving to more seamless in-store shopping experiences, shoppers still want to be surprised or indulge in impulse purchases,” said Matt Tice, director of grocery category leadership at Mars Wrigley. “Introducing innovative solutions like Smiley will help retailers shake up traditional merchandising, improve their consumers’ shopping experience and drive sales.”
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