Panda Fluff candy floss machines are now available for retailers including local shops. The company forecasts smaller sites could make at least £1,300 gross profit per month.
The company’s smaller machine is the most suited to “tight-on-space convenience stores”. Shoppers can choose from four colours and different shapes on the device’s touchscreen devices, giving 130 combinations.
A window enables shoppers to see the product being created and cut, with the aroma attracting further shoppers. Using only sticks, water and sugar, the machine makes each unit in two minutes, bagging stores more than 90% profit per sale.
Panda Fluff enters the convenience store market for the first time
Until now, the devices, which launched a year ago, have been placed in holiday parks, shopping centres and major road service stations.
However, in an exclusive interview with Better Retailing’s sister title, RN, Panda Fluff founder Kelly Poon agreed to a discounted price for the magazine’s readers. She also revealed the company is “about to get a contract signed with a leading UK supermarket”.
Poon said convenience stores and newsagents should perform in line with its machines in Haven Holiday Park sweet shops, which average 350 sales per month.
Poon added none of Panda Fluff’s 30 UK sites are below 60 sales per week. At just eight sales a day, the machine’s cost would be paid off in less than six months.
Why local convenience stores could be the perfect place to host a candy floss machine
Describing why local shops are a good match, the founder said: “They have great footfall, and kids love visiting for their sweet treats. It’s in tune with the slush-machine trend. Candy floss will take off like a storm.”
Asked about Panda Fluff’s target audience, Poon responded: “Children and adults love candy floss. We’ve had everyone from rugby teams to rockers queuing to use them.”
The machines can take payments or shoppers can buy codes for use on the machine at tills. Stores can set their own prices, with a £5.50 recommended price.
The units have a water tank, so require no water access. At 2,500W, they only require a standard three-pin plug. The two-metre-high device is around the size of a floor-standing coffee machine.
Cleaning is usually required “every other day”, taking 10 minutes. It holds enough supplies to make 350 units.
Readers of Better Retailing’s sister title RN can get a discount on a Panda Fluff machine as well as installation and warranty. Read the 1 November edition of RN to find out how.
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