Between work, family, eating, and exercise, it appears consumers of the 21st century simply do not have enough time to shop! However, there is now an easy and convenient alternative— vending machines, and we are not talking about buying candy and snacks. U*TIQUE is the world's first fully automated luxury goods vending machine. “I wanted to bring luxury personal care products to women who are racing from a hotel to a meeting or a workout and perhaps forgot a lip balm," said Mara Segal, the 29-year-old creator.

In order to create a luxury image, a state-of-the-art and attractive design for the machine was essential. U*TIQUE machines feature a touch-screen interface, interactive LED lighting design, and an internal robot that delivers the products directly to the customers. The touch screen displays brand profiles, ingredient lists, and video demos, thereby enhancing the customer's shopping experience in a quick and hassle-free way. The products themselves are displayed behind circular and diamond-shaped bubbles, which are programmed to change colors when touched. The machine has been described as “the Ferrari of vending machines” and “retail on demand.”

The U*TIQUE shop is positioning itself as a luxury lifestyle brand and is creating a whole new dimension of personal shopping- automated retail. Brand partners include luxury icons like Lancome, Bliss, and Chantecaille. Segal plans on solidifying U*TIQUE's brand image by placing the machines at boutique hotel lobbies, nightclub lounges, high-end shopping malls and airports. To further enhance their brand positioning, U*TIQUE has strategically partnered with Studio in Fred Segal (a luxury beauty boutique in Los Angeles) for their debut.

In the past, luxury retailers have placed a great deal of importance on creating a comfortable retail space where shoppers can come and linger in a pleasant environment; however, there is now a growing market segment of young professionals who simply do not have time, but do have the disposable income, to purchase luxury goods. So long as the vending machines are placed in high-traffic locations for these target consumers, it seems U*TIQUE, with their distinctive brand positioning, should be successful in the luxury goods market.