Category Captain

Coinstar, with Meridian Consulting, launched an automated retail research project in 2009. The goal was to address the complexities, unique needs and opportunities for business growth at the front of the store. Building on its existing automated retail framework of coin-counting and dvd rentals, Coinstar collected data on the mindset and needs of shoppers. After validating the results with major national and regional retailers, Coinstar developed recommendations for “core” and “flex” assortment needs, layout principles and merchandising/communication for automated retail. Coinstar’s solutions help drive incremental store traffic, reduce labor, minimize shrinkage and maximize stores’ front-end net profit. Underutilized areas represent an untapped opportunity for retailers. Coinstar’s category management program, focusing on the front end of the store, helps retailers increase post register ring and develop new destination businesses, thereby maximizing profit, particularly at the front-end. When managed effectively, this area is estimated to generate five to ten times the industry average for net profitability per square foot. Coinstar’s category management program has been recognized by Progressive Grocer for its evolution from 4th Wall® supplier to a leader in automated retail solutions. We recently won the Category Captain award from Progressive Grocer. It was the fifth year in a row the company has been recognized.