Retail kiosk

A retail kiosk (also referred to as a mall kiosk or retail merchandising unit (RMU)) is a store operated out of a merchant-supplied kiosk of varying size and shape, which is typically enclosed with the operator located in the center and customers approaching the vendor across a counter.

The first mall kiosk opened in Boston's Faneuil Hall in 1976. As proprietors and shopping mall design space has become more sophisticated, the model of mall income generation has been adapted to suit, with kiosks evolving to accommodate this transition.

They are considered as part of the specialty retail industry, which is worth over US$12 billion annually. Retail spending has remained strong through economic ups and downs (according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it totaled about US$3.58 trillion in 2002). Placement in walkways guarantees high foot traffic from shoppers, offering opportunities for impulse sales. Many carts are franchised, which provides more support for new entrepreneurs. Leases or rents are often monthly, but may range in length from a weekend to a year. The short leases allow larger retailers to test the market temporarily before committing to a location, and lower costs for new business owners.

These units are best exemplified by jewelry-style cases forming a variable size perimeter footprint, perhaps 10 feet (3.0 m) by 10 feet (3.0 m). These units are located in shopping malls, airports, at sporting events, or inside larger stores (occasionally as "concession stands").

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