Springwise: Remember Norwegian ‘Paraplyselskapet AS’, who came up with the world’s first fully connected umbrella vending machines? Well, Springwise guess they hit a bit of a rainy spot (maybe it was their name?), as the company is basically inactive these days. So bad idea, end of story? Not really: UK-based Umbrolly has resurrected the concept, and is busy installing machines all over London. There are currently 10 of them dotted around London, with a further 10 out at the end of this month. Machines sell approximately 50 umbrellas per machine per rainfall day. They also signed a deal to place the machines exclusively across the London Underground and will have 150 units on the network by the end of 2005. International expansion is also in the works: the company is in talks with location providers in Germany, Holland and the US.
Umbrolly [Springwise]
Umbrella Vending Machine
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Saving money for a rainy day has now be given new meaning – have pocket change with you just in case it rains and you need to buy an umbrella from a vending maching.
One of the new smaller umbrolly machines has been outside my local tube station now for almost a year, and every time it rains it is always inundated with customers….wish I had thought of it!!!!!
http://www.umbrollys.com
just had a look at the site great idea, i live in Vancouver and think it might be a good deal, assuming these guys will send me some machines. I used one last week in Glasgow, Scotland, and really liked the concept.
If anyone else wants to partner with me and give it a go in Vancouver, get in touch…thanks C