Kiosks

Kiosks have become familiar sights in American malls, sellingeverything from inexpensive gift items to pricey jewelry andartwork. They make mall space affordable for the small-businessowner, and mall operators benefit from extra rent and a widervariety of merchandise.

Kiosks have contributed to one of the hottest trends inretailing–temporary tenants. Some of these are seasonal businessesthat only need to be open for a limited time. For example, aspecialty candy shop may open just before Christmas, remain openthrough Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day, then close forthe remainder of the year. But many other kiosk operators can runtheir businesses year round, selling anything from hot dogs tosunglasses, from men’s ties to T-shirts.

The most popular site for a temporary operation is a busy mall,but many operators are also finding success in airports and othertransportation facilities, at sporting events, and at othercreative venues limited only by their imagination and ability tostrike a deal with the property manager.

For many entrepreneurs who dream of breaking into retail,opening a shop is cost-prohibitive–but a kiosk can be a low-costprofitable possibility. You might also want to consider using akiosk to test your product in a retail setting before making thelarger investment in a traditional store. Styles range from simpleto elaborate; whatever you choose, be sure it’s attractive, welllit and functional.