Xiaomi introduces vending machines in India—for smartphones
1 min read . Updated: 13 May 2019, 03:40 PM IST
Premium- The Mi Express Kiosks are essentially smartphone dispensing vending machines that accept all forms of payments across credit cards, debit cards, cash and UPI
- The first Mi Express kiosk is live at Manyata Tech Park in Bengaluru
Chinese tech major Xiaomi on Monday announced the Mi Express Kiosk initiative across India. The new Mi Express Kiosks are essentially vending machines that allow consumers and Mi Fans to purchase Xiaomi smartphones and mobile accessories directly.
Xiaomi Global VP Manu Kumar Jain inaugurated the first kiosk at Manyata Tech Park in Bengaluru.
The kiosks are designed to accept all forms of payments across credit cards, debit cards, cash and UPI. A touch screen lets buyers interact with the vending machine and select the device of their choice.
By introducing these vending machine-style kiosks, the brand has yet again developed a new retail strategy in reaching out to its consumers directly, eliminating operational and cost inefficiencies for the consumers. According to Xiaomi, Mi Express Kiosks serve as a highly effective initiative for consumers to easily access and buy Xiaomi products instantly in offline markets.
Xiaomi says the Mi Express vending machines offer honest pricing, similar to that of Mi Homes and Mi.com.
Also read: Xiaomi aims 10,000 retail stores in India by 2019
According to the Chinese smartphone maker, all technologies equipping Mi Express Kiosks were researched and developed in India, although the concept has been around in China since last year. The vending machines would be available between 10 am to 8 pm in India, with promoter staff available to assist during those hours.
The company aims to set up several more kiosks in the coming months, and gradually expand the retail plan across more cities.
Xiaomi plans to install the kiosks across metro cities in public areas with greater footfall such as tech parks, metro stations, airports, and shopping malls.
Customers can find out more details about these kiosks on the company's website.
