By LAWRENCE TAN

Vending machines exist for quick fixes – a sandwich or Coke you want to grab on the go, that Mars bar you have been craving in between breaks at work.

But Mara Segal saw an innovative way to give this one-stop convenience device a “luxurious” makeover. The CEO and creator of U*tique came up with the idea of a vending machine that stocks 50 carefully handpicked ‘must haves’ – from gadgets, skincare and cosmetics to health supplements and delicious treats. The difference is, all of these products are from high-end and niche labels.

In an interview with W Magazine, Segal said: “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.”

Each of the 50 items is displayed in a circular or diamond window, with product information and video demos readily available via an easy-to-use touchscreen. In addition, each window display is illuminated by an ambient light that matches, for example, the product’s packaging, thus creating a mood. When taken together, all 50 items make for an interesting LED spectacle.

To select the item you wish to buy, simply tap on the display, (instead of entering a combination of alphabets and numbers), swipe your credit card, and go.

“Our store is like an interactive gallery, each item is hand selected and celebrated.” Segal said. “Consumers can experience that wonderful kid-in-candy-store feeling -- their eye is delighted, their desires are met, the only difficult part is choosing which treat to buy.”

Segal, who used to work as a consultant for top brands like Dove, Absolute, AXE and Pepsi, says she was inspired by the idea of automated retail.

She said: ““We are savvy, information hungry, and time-strapped… e-commerce bridged the gap between products and information, automated retail will bridge the gap between information and instant gratification – it’s retail on demand.”

Several top brands like Lancome, ZIRH, Bliss and Lancaster have already signed on to Segal’s vision. The U*tique “shop” will also feature emerging brands like Hourglass Cosmetics, Vosges Chocolate, Eboost Energy Supplements, David Kirsch Wellness, Lipstick Queen, ZELENS and Ketty Sean.

Segal’s first U*tique “shop” debuted last month at specialty beauty boutique STUDIO at Fred Segal in a collaboration with STUDIO founder Robin Coe-Hutshing.

However, Segal is already looking beyond Los Angeles, and hopes to set up U*tiques in boutique hotel lobbies, gym locker rooms, shopping malls and airports within the next two years.

U*tique