Published • 20 Jan 2026
In the Australian hospitality market, the guest experience no longer stops at the room door. Whether it’s a business traveller arriving on a late-night flight into Melbourne or a family heading out for an early morning tour in Queensland, your guests expect high-quality food and drink options at every hour of the day.
However, many hotels are still relying on outdated vending machines that feel like a relic of the 90s, or a limited pantry selection that requires a staff member to stop what they are doing to process a simple sale.
It’s time for a change. Across the country, forward-thinking hotel managers are modernising their lobbies with Micro-Markets and Smart Coolers—versatile, tech-forward retail spaces that offer much more than just a snack; they offer a premium amenity that guests actually enjoy using.
Two Ways to Transform Your Guest Experience
At 365 Retail Markets, we provide the technology that allows you to tailor your retail offering to your specific space and guest profile.
1. The MM6 Mini: The Versatile Micro-Market Hub
For hotel managers looking to maximise revenue without sacrificing valuable lobby square footage, the MM6 Mini is the ultimate solution. This compact, sleek kiosk is designed to be the "brain" of your micro-market.
- A Familiar, Sleek Interface: A simple, intuitive touchscreen that accepts all major Australian payment types, including tap-and-go and mobile wallets.
- Versatile Fit-Out: It can be integrated into bespoke cabinetry or mounted to a wall, allowing you to create a high-end "pantry" feel that matches your hotel’s aesthetic.
2. The CV Express: Frictionless AI-Powered Shopping
If you want to offer the absolute cutting-edge of retail technology, the CV Express is the answer. This is a "smart cooler" powered by advanced computer vision.
- Just "Grab and Go": There is no scanning required. A guest simply scans a QR code to unlock the door, takes what they want, and walks away. The AI automatically recognises the items and charges them.
- Ultimate Security & Speed: Because the door only opens with a valid payment, it’s highly secure for semi-public spaces, while the experience is perfect for the "I need it now" guest.
Why Modernise Now?
- Elevated Guest Choice: Australians are increasingly health-conscious and brand-aware. These solutions allow you to stock fresh salads, local craft beers, premium kombuchas, and essential travel items that traditional vending machines simply can’t handle.
- Operational Efficiency: Because the checkout process is entirely unattended, your front-of-house team is free to focus on check-ins and guest enquiries rather than barcoding a packet of crisps.
- Smart Analytics: Both solutions come with powerful back-office software that tells you exactly what is selling and when, allowing for effortless inventory management.
Your Market, Your Way: Flexible Partnership Models
We understand that every hotel has different operational goals. That is why we offer two distinct paths to modernising your lobby retail:
- Self-Operated: Full Control, Full Margin If you want to treat your lobby retail as a core part of your F&B strategy, you can choose to self-operate. You own or lease the equipment, choose your own local suppliers, and keep the full retail margin. Our technology is so simple that your existing team can handle restocking in just a few minutes a day.
- Managed Partnerships: Zero Hassle, Pure Amenity If you’d prefer a "hands-off" approach, 365 Retail Markets can help. We have an extensive network of professional operators across Australia. We can connect you with the right partner who will invest in the equipment, manage the stock, and run the market for you. You get a world-class amenity for your guests and a share of the revenue, with zero daily involvement from your staff.
The Future is Unattended
The "convenience gap" in hotels is closing. Guests no longer want to hunt for a late-night convenience store or wait for a delivery driver to find your entrance. They want what they need, right where they are staying.
Whether you want the versatility of a micro market with the MM6 Mini or the modern experience of CV Express, there has never been a better time to turn your lobby into a high-value, modern asset.
Is your lobby ready for an upgrade? Contact 365 Retail Markets today to find the perfect fit for your property.