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EXCLUSIVE: Panda Fluff candy floss machines now available to convenience stores

The machines could deliver local shops up to £1,300 gross profit per month

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.

Read more advice for independent convenience retailers

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