“Store-hailing” startup Robomart announced today that they are launching their first fleet of mobile mini-marts in West Hollywood, California.
The new store fleet is initially made up of two types: Pharmacy Robomart and Snacks Robomart. The mobile pharmacy version will sell items such as shampoo, batteries, condoms, and Ibuprofen, while the Snacks Robomart will feature chips, candy, sodas, and other snacks. Robomart is also developing a Grocery version that will include fresh fruits and vegetables and other refrigerated items. According to the release, the company says it also has plans “to expand its fleet to include the Pantry, Deli, and Café Robomarts in coming months.”
Robomart customers don’t shop on the app as with other delivery services. Instead, after hailing a Robomart with the app, customers select from the roughly 40-50 different products after the store arrives. Once the customer chooses the items they want, their total is calculated using RFID tags, their credit card is automatically charged, and a receipt is available via the app. The company is working with vehicle fleet provider Zeeba and Avery Dennison for its RFID tag technology.
How much does it cost to shop at a Robomart? Robomart charges a hailing fee of $2 per customer visit and says pricing for products is the same as “in-store” — which probably means typical 7-11 or other convenience store pricing. No tipping is required. All this seems reasonable but makes me wonder how the company will make enough money over time on $2 hailing fees and convenience store markups.
When Robomart launched at CES in 2018, the original pitch featured mobile mini-marts that were fully autonomous. Since then, the company has adjusted to today’s regulatory and technical reality and launched its first fleet to include human drivers. The driver, however, does not interact with the consumer.
And according to Robomart CEO and cofounder Ali Ahmed, the company still envisions a future that includes fully autonomous vehicles and has already built a prototype. “We built a driverless Robomart to showcase our vision of the future,” Ahmed told me. “We plan to add more driverless vehicles to our fleet in the coming years as regulation catches up.”
As part of the announcement, Robomart also said they are working with REEF to provide inventory management and restocking services. Spoon readers may know about REEF for the ghost kitchens they operate in their regional parking lot-centered logistic hubs. In addition, REEF’s Light Speed division will be the first merchant selling products through Robomart.
While Ahmed didn’t say where his company plans to go next, they hope to replicate the model they’ve built with REEF as their replenishment partner in new cities.
“We’re really excited about the partnership with Reef, ” Ahmed told me. “They have set up the station in our first operating zone and are managing supply, inventory, and restocking. We see ourselves replicating this model and playbook with Reef for every major city.”
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