Today’s gym members want more than reps and routines. They want convenience, fuel, and flexibility. That’s why forward-thinking gym owners are adding micro markets and Smart Stores to their facilities. These self-service retail solutions offer protein-packed snacks, drinks, and gym essentials without the need for staff.
Why self-service retail makes sense in gyms
Gyms are evolving into 24/7 wellness hubs. But most aren’t staffed around the clock, and even during peak hours, the front desk isn’t always equipped to handle retail. With members rushing in or out, a checkout line is a non-starter. Self-service technology solves this by letting members grab what they need and get back to their workout (or their day).
What is a micro market?
A micro market is a self-service, open-concept retail space. Think open shelves, coolers, and a touchscreen kiosk. Members can browse a variety of healthy snacks, drinks, and supplements — then check out quickly. For staffed gyms, it’s a way to offer more products without tying up employees. And for operators, it creates a new revenue stream in an underutilized corner of the gym.
What is a Smart Store?
A Smart Store is a secure, unattended cooler or cabinet powered by anti-theft technology like weighted shelves and cameras. Members tap to unlock, shop like they would in a convenience store, and close the door to automatically check out. Cameras and weight sensors track what was taken. It’s sleek, simple, and always available. For 24/7 gyms or lean-staffed models, it’s a game-changer.
What gym members want
Energy drinks, hydration boosters, clean-label protein bars, recovery snacks. Many members also want extras: deodorant, towels, even branded merch. Whether it’s something they forgot at home or just an impulse buy, members love the grab-and-go convenience. And with smart retail, they can do just that — without waiting or asking for help.
Kyle Pinho of All Else Fit Club noted that his Smart Store includes “some healthy protein bars… My wife is very into all the non-toxic stuff and clean ingredients, so she leads up a lot of the product mix.” He also mentioned that he can sell products that are less mainstream but better aligned with his gym’s wellness-first brand. “We’re kind of gauging more towards healthier things. We want to give options that are healthier versus some of the alternatives.”
Beyond nutrition, gyms are also using Smart Stores and micro markets to stock items that members often forget or don’t expect to find: deodorant, supplements, even protein tubs and apparel. “There are people here at every hour of the day,” said Pinho. Offering grab-and-go convenience 24/7 means no missed opportunity for sales.
Real results from real gyms
At All Else Fit Club, gym owner Kyle saw steady growth in Smart Store sales in the first month of operation. Members appreciated the sleek design and quickly began making multiple purchases per visit. His favorite part? “It works without supervision, even at 2am.”
For Kyle’s team, the Smart Store acts as an extension of the gym’s brand. The clean layout, modern look, and curated product mix match the gym’s aesthetic. Kyle has used member feedback to continuously refine inventory, with bestsellers like wellness sodas, probiotic drinks, and specialty protein bars flying off the shelves.
Meanwhile, micro market operators working with Anytime Fitness locations report increased revenue per square foot and better engagement with members. In one California location, an operator replaced a dated vending setup with a Cantaloupe-powered micro market and saw a 60% lift in product sales within the first month. Members favored the grab-and-go layout, particularly during peak hours when traditional checkouts were backed up.
Across the board, operators are finding that micro markets and Smart Stores make it easier to tailor product selection, track inventory in real time, and restock based on actual buying trends. And for gym owners, the added revenue is just one benefit — these self-service stores help elevate the overall member experience.
Self-service retail may have started as a convenience. But in gyms, it’s becoming a competitive advantage. As one gym owner put it, the Smart Store “just enhances their experience here.” And that experience — whether it’s post-workout fuel, forgotten essentials, or simply saving time — keeps members coming back.
Looking to add unmatched self-service retail experiences to your gym? Our team will work with operators to find the perfect match for your location. Reach out here.
Fast Facts
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Self-service retail is helping gyms boost revenue without increasing staff.
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Micro markets offer flexible product displays with quick, kiosk-based checkout.
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Smart Stores provide 24/7 access to snacks, drinks, and essentials—even without supervision.
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Real gyms like All Else Fit Club are seeing increased daily usage and steady sales growth.
Micro markets are spreading to hotels, luxury apartments, and gyms, offering convenience and a variety of products. This expansion increases accessibility to snacks and essentials, enhancing customer satisfaction and sales.
In this episode of Retail on the Go, hosts Russ, Kylan, and Dave explore the untapped potential of micro markets in commercial gyms. They discuss the current state of gym markets, the benefits of installing micro markets for both gym owners and operators, and address common concerns such as theft and shrinkage. They also explore opportunities for gyms to expand their offerings by selling merchandise and toiletries through the micro markets. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of self-service retail and the exciting possibilities it presents for gym locations and residential properties.
A wave of next-gen, self-service retail is transforming how and where consumers shop — and it’s not just hype. Dive into the real stories of operators breaking sales records, delighting customers, and redefining convenience through the rise of Smart Stores.