Supermarkets Become New Channel for The Body Shop Via ZoomShops

CHRISTINA VEIDERS

SAN FRANCISCO — ZoomSystems, a provider of automated retail solutions here, said Friday it will place The Body Shop-branded ZoomShops in four grocery chains — Kroger Marketplace, Stop & Shop, H.E. Butt Grocery Co. and Supervalu’s Jewel-Osco stores.

ZoomShops are known for distributing high-end goods at airports, shopping centers and other retail locations. This is the first time the high-tech automated kiosk system will go into supermarkets, the company said.

SN could not reach the individual chains for comment. A ZoomSystems official called the supermarket installations, which are expected to go into a select number of stores within the next two weeks, a “soft” rollout. The company declined to discuss financial arrangements with the chains.

This represents a new retail vertical for ZoomSystems and the first grocery locations to take advantage of ZoomShops’ ability to deliver the highest sales-per-square-foot average in the retail environment, the company said.

The kiosks will offer an assortment of 50 SKUs of all-natural skin care, body care and bath of The Body Shop products at price points that range from $10 to $30. The higher price points are kits, said the official.

ZoomSystems’ patented robotic technology assures that consumer receive the products they select before their credit card accounts are charged.

“We are excited to offer consumers a new channel to shop for the fantastic products offered by The Body Shop,” said Gower Smith, ZoomSystems' chief executive officer, in a press statement. “The Body Shop is an iconic natural beauty product brand that has a loyal and dedicated customer base, making them a terrific partner to launch our first supermarket locations.”

In addition to the grocery channel, The Body Shop ZoomShop will be available at traditional ZoomShop locations.

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