NIU Technologies’ Post

A couple years ago I drove an #EV from Paris to Helsinki. It was my first time in an electric car and planning the route was primarily focused on finding reliable charging stations (which were NOT in abundance outside of Germany).🔋 I'm reminded of that trip after reading this Convenience Store News article touching on how convenience stores and retailers have an opportunity to differentiate, both by providing charging stations at their locations and by offering something to do during the long wait (another thing to take into account when planning the EV journey - charging is not a five-minute stretching-your-legs stop but a good half an hour pitstop). If attracting the growing number of EV consumers is something you are thinking about, check out this article and discover some intriguing insights from RELEX Solutions, among others. #Trends #Technology #ElectricVehicles #Retail

🚗⚡ How can convenience stores stand out in the era of electric vehicles (EVs)? Patrick O'Mara from RELEX Solutions shares key insights on creating unique and differentiated experiences that captivate consumers. Check out the Convenience Store News article for strategies that could define success in the transition to an EV-centric future. #CSNewsOnline #Trends #Technology #EV #ElectricVehicles

A recent study highlights a gap in #EVcharging support among retailers, revealing that while some are actively enhancing their infrastructure, others have yet to fully embrace the shift to #electricmobility. As consumers increasingly opt for #EVs, the availability of #evcharging stations at shopping venues is becoming a crucial factor in their retail experience. This discrepancy underscores the need for a collective effort in supporting the #EV transition, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for retailers to contribute to a sustainable future. #EVCharging #sustainability #electricmobility eMobi Labs https://bit.ly/4cdYDau

🚗⚡ How can convenience stores stand out in the era of electric vehicles (EVs)? Patrick O'Mara from RELEX Solutions shares key insights on creating unique and differentiated experiences that captivate consumers. Check out the Convenience Store News article for strategies that could define success in the transition to an EV-centric future. #CSNewsOnline #Trends #Technology #EV #ElectricVehicles

Charging Up Retail: EV Chargers' Starbucks Moment Canadian company FLO EV Charging is set to shake up the landscape of electric vehicle (EV) charging in the US with a bold move near Detroit. Backed by US funding, Flo's factory in the Detroit suburb of Auburn Hills is gearing up to redefine the accessibility of EV charging, drawing parallels to the transformative impact Wi-Fi had on Starbucks. CEO Louis Tremblay’s brainchild, Flo, founded in Quebec City 14 years ago, is poised to expand its footprint in America after securing a substantial $3 million investment from Michigan. This injection of funds paves the way for the establishment of a cutting-edge 45,000-square-foot manufacturing plant at 1270 Pacific Drive. Scheduled to commence production in early 2024, this strategically located plant, just 20 minutes north of downtown Detroit, is projected to employ 700 workers and roll out an impressive 50,000 chargers annually once fully operational. Flo's visionary strategy mirrors the game-changing impact of Wi-Fi at Starbucks betting that integrating EV chargers near retail stores will catalyze a retail renaissance. This endeavor marks the company's commitment to making EV charging more convenient and accessible, aligning with its mission to revolutionize the EV infrastructure landscape. This expansion in Michigan complements Flo's existing Canadian factory in Shawinigan, which doubled in size in 2021. Positioned strategically on both sides of the border, Flo is poised to bridge the gap between EV demand and accessible charging solutions, signaling a transformative shift in how we power vehicles and interact with retail spaces. #Flo #ElectricVehicle #EV #EVCharging #AuburnHills #MichiganRetail #Starbucks #WiFi #KeystoneCres #KeystoneCRE #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstate #RetailNews #Expansion #RetailRenaissance #Manufacturing #Infrastructure

What comes to mind when you think of “sustainability”? Electric cars? Paper straws? There are many facets of sustainability. For a collaboration with FCB Chicago and Xumo at Best Buy, we focused on creating a solution with adaptability and longevity. First, we engineered this display to securely mount various TV sizes while complying with all Best Buy’s guidelines. We also engineered this display for modularity so it can be configured for different end cap variations. In addition, we added features like eye-catching lighting and interactive buttons to draw customers in and showcase Xumo's features and benefits, while also prioritizing practical factors like ease of installation, simplicity of content updates, and reliable functionality. We were thrilled that this innovative approach earned us a Silver OMA Award at the recent Shop Marketplace event! Many thanks to FCB Chicagoand Xumo  for partnering with us on this launch! #Sustainability #Innovation #DisplayDesign #RetailMarketing #OMAAwards #FCBChicago #Xumo #BestBuy #ModularDesign #CustomerExperience #AwardWinning #MarketingExcellence

⚡️Exciting Retail Innovation Alert at Sports Direct in Watford! 🔋 We are thrilled to be part of a game-changing retail innovation happening right now at Sports Direct in Watford! Shoppers are absolutely loving the convenience of free, fast, mobile-device charging available in-store. ⚡️📱 In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is more important than ever, and Sports Direct is stepping up by offering this incredible benefit to its customers. This cutting-edge initiative not only enhances the shopping experience but also highlights the brand’s commitment to catering to the evolving needs of modern consumers. Chargebox offer a bespoke service which allows for seamless integration with a brand’s aesthetic and identity while providing this invaluable service. As we witness the convergence of technology and retail, initiatives like free device charging become a significant draw for shoppers, creating an environment where convenience meets innovation. So, next time you’re at Sports Direct in Watford, remember to take advantage of this fantastic service and enjoy the shopping experience by never having to worry about a low battery ever again! Sports Direct are embracing retail innovation and putting their customers first. Who’s next for a customisable solution by ChargeBox 🤩 #RetailInnovation #CustomerExperience #ChargeUpAtSportsDirect #retail #storedesign #bespoke #customisable #mobile #charging #battery #chargingstation

Challenges for the used car market seem inevitable right now. New car inventory is robust. Couple that with manufacturer incentives geared towards moving new cars and the feds hinting at a possible rate cut, one market will go up while the other goes down. But does that necessarily mean a crash for the used car market? And what should dealers do? Read our take here: https://bit.ly/49MVGMl

The Rise and Fall of Cazoo: A Cautionary Tale in Car Retail 🚗 The UK's online car dealer Cazoo has filed for administration, marking a significant decline from its previous £1.3 billion valuation. The company's innovative approach of selling cars entirely online and delivering them to your doorstep has succumbed to economic pressures and a challenging market environment. This development raises important questions about the sustainability of digital-first business models in traditional industries like automotive sales, which still shows a preference for in-person transactions. Cazoo's downfall, despite securing over £1 billion in funding, highlights the critical need for financial prudence and market adaptability. The online car sales market in the UK, although growing, presents a harsh reality with a mere 4.5% of total sales despite the projected expansion to £11.5 billion by 2026. Is the future of car sales online, or does the road lead back to traditional showrooms? What adjustments can emerging companies make to avoid a similar fate? Industry experts predict a wave of consolidation in the sector, emphasizing the need for stability and adaptability. Did it fail due to consumer preferences OR a change in recent market dynamics? #Cazoo, #OnlineCarSales, #AutomotiveIndustry, #BusinessModel, #MarketAdaptability, #EconomicPressures, #UKBusiness, #Administration, #CarRetail, #DigitalFirst

Flagship or showcase stores can work well for demonstrating an in-store innovation. But … You don’t want to include stores like that for formalized pilot testing. Why not? Make sure you check out this blog post to find out: https://ow.ly/eUjn50R15Qz. In fact, we share a treasure trove of helpful tips for running a store pilot more effectively.