Kiosk

Kiosks are small retail outlets that remain popular in both urban and rural areas. They often serve as a go-to point for to-go offerings such as coffee, snacks and newspapers. Many companies have dedicated workplace kiosks to cater for their staff. Because of their versatility, kiosks are fondly referred to as little temples of consumption.

Etymology and historical development

The word „kiosk“ derives from the Persian „Kūšk“ and made its way via Turkish into French and then into other European languages. In Turkish it also means „angle or corner“. Originally the term referred to free-standing pavilions in gardens or palaces. In the 19th century the first popular form of the kiosk appeared in Paris, where newspapers and flowers were sold. Kiosks show close ties to the architecture of pavilions and oriental tents; notable examples include the oldest Duisburg kiosk from 1890 as well as various pavilions from the 18th and 19th centuries, some of which are listed monuments.

Product range and variety

Kiosks offer a wide range of products:

• Tobacco products, sweets and lottery tickets
• Snacks such as bockwurst and chips
• Drinks such as beer and lemonade
• To-go offerings such as coffee, snacks and newspapers

Many kiosks are run by people with a migrant background, who opened numerous outlets around the turn of the millennium and enriched the cultural diversity.

Regulation and operating models

In many federal states, kiosks are allowed to open around the clock, with restrictions on Sundays. Operating a kiosk generally requires only a simple business registration, possibly supplemented by licences to serve alcoholic drinks. Depending on the range of goods, additional permits for the sale of food or alcohol may be necessary.

Modern developments

Kiosks adapt to changing consumer needs and trends such as individualisation, health, digitalisation and neo-ecology. Modern vending solutions offer round-the-clock self-service, and the integration of micro markets into companies is regarded as forward-looking. In this context, egora offers tailor-made solutions for workplace kiosks, with individual menus that can be created within three hours.