(Hero image reference: The Jetsonsanimated sitcom produced by Hanna-Barbera)
The game has changed, and definitely for the better. The rise of the digital era is changing consumer expectations across a number of sectors.
Day to day experiences and processes are being turned on their heads as smartphones open up a new way of operating ‘traditional’ businesses. I have a 4 month old daughter, so Friday nights aren’t quite what they were like a year or so ago, at least at the moment anyway. These days, a Friday night would predictably consist of Uber eats and a few episodes of something interesting on Netflix. Last week, while browsing for something tasty, I stumbled across an eatery on Uber eats that I had read about online, Hot Lips. It is Auckland’s first ‘virtual kitchen’, where you can only order via the app. The idea is that many ‘brands’ or restaurants can share kitchen space and have a digital shop window. In turn, this saves on rent, saves on labour, saves on advertising – and yet they are still a highly competitive operator – just without a lot of the overheads and risk.
The model has been very successful in the U.S. and is a product of the digital era – where we are still unravelling the possibilities. Industries across the board are being ‘disrupted’ by people who think outside the box and are engaged with their customers’ expectations and needs.
The “Hot Lips” brand experience is purely about the quality of the food and the convenience of the ordering and delivery. Layers of complexity have been removed from the equation by the operator.
They don’t need to invest in an environment, create an atmosphere, an ambience with human interaction – the consumer is conditioned and comfortable to curate this themselves from their own lounge. If we don’t need to leave our living rooms to access the best food around town, then what other facets of the market are being explored for ultra-convenience? I’ve been “politely informed” that digital gym memberships are now a real thing. That’s right, if you can’t quite find the time to get to the gym, or if the class times don’t work for you – there are live digital classes available that you can access from your lounge. You get the convenience from your living room with the motivation from a real trainer… I can’t say this would be up my alley but the concept is fascinating.
The convenience and accessibility for the consumer can’t be underestimated – but the true disruption and challenge is within the operations and property component. It will be interesting to see what other operators come out of the woodwork!
Excelsa Village – The Up and Coming
Excelsa in Papamoa is really coming to life.
The home-grown lifestyle village is a sustainable development with a community focus, enabling easy access to retail, hospitality and medical facilities. RCG has been working with Livingstone Building NZ and Bluehaven Management over the last few months and can’t wait for the opening this September.
The design incorporates energy-efficient materials to fit with the coastal environment; the village has many unique features not seen in other areas of greater Tauranga and is sure to be popular with the growing population.
Tel: +64 9 303 1501
Email: info@rcg.co.nz
Level 3
11-15 Great South Road
Newmarket
Auckland 1051
Looking to buy, sell or lease a
property? Talk to RCG Realty
Tel +64 9 303 1501
Email info@rcgrealty.co.nz
Tel: +64 9 303 1501
Email: info@rcg.co.nz
Level 3
11-15 Great South Road
Newmarket
Auckland 1051
Looking to buy, sell or lease a
property? Talk to RCG Realty
Tel +64 9 303 1501
Email info@rcgrealty.co.nz
