New Ideas for Monetizing Underutilized Spaces: How Ice Cream Vending Machines Can Activate Dead Corn

In commercial space operations, there are always some corners that become "dead zones" due to their remote locations or insufficient pedestrian flow. Similarly, in community life, there are often underutilized public spaces. While these areas may seem to have limited value, they actually hold underestimated business potential. Ice cream vending machines, with their unique flexibility, low entry barriers, and scenario adaptability, are becoming the "golden key" to activating these spaces.

Flexible Adaptation with Unique Advantages

The reason ice cream vending machines can effectively activate underutilized spaces lies in their unique operational characteristics. Compared to traditional commercial formats, these machines require only 1–2 square meters of space and can even be wall-mounted, making them highly adaptable to limited areas. Their 24-hour fully automated operation eliminates labor costs, and a standard 220V power supply is sufficient for operation, allowing deployment both indoors and outdoors. More importantly, ice cream consumption is characterized by "impulse purchases," effectively converting brief stops into actual sales. When customers discover a well-designed ice cream machine in a corner, they are likely to make an impulsive purchase, forming the psychological basis for space monetization.

Innovative Transformation of Dead Corners in Shopping Malls

Large commercial complexes often have inherently challenging areas: rest zones away from main pathways, entrances to high-floor parking lots, or transitional spaces near restrooms. These locations offer low rental costs but struggle to attract traditional tenants due to low foot traffic. An inspiring success story comes from a city shopping center that transformed an idle corner near the fifth-floor cinema waiting area into an "Ice Cream Relaxation Island." By deploying two smart vending machines complemented by minimalist-style seating and greenery, they discovered that the 30 minutes before movie screenings became peak sales periods, with monthly sales per square meter even surpassing those of some specialty stores. The key to operating such spots lies in selecting locations with natural "waiting scenarios," enhancing area identity through distinctive decor, and synchronizing with mall marketing activities.

Revaluing Community Gaps

Underutilized spaces in community settings are even more diverse: disused newspaper kiosks in older neighborhoods, corners in property management lobbies, or vacant spots near community fitness areas. While these spaces may have limited commercial value, they are frequently passed by residents daily. Innovative models demonstrate that transforming an abandoned security booth into an "Ice Cream Station" can not only provide refreshments but also serve as a package pickup point and community information board, creating a multi-functional community service hub. Success depends on establishing profit-sharing partnerships with property management to lower barriers, developing community-exclusive flavors to foster a sense of belonging, and organizing targeted promotions aligned with community events.

Smart Management Empowered by Technology

Modern IoT technology effectively addresses the management challenges of remote locations. Smart vending machines equipped with cloud-based management systems enable real-time monitoring of equipment status and inventory levels, with automatic alerts for low stock or malfunctions. For example, Huaxin smart vending machines allow operators to manage hundreds of dispersed units via a mobile app, providing precise insights into sales data and operational status across all locations. This intelligent management significantly reduces operational complexity, making large-scale, widely distributed business models feasible.

Risk Control and Benefit Assessment

While the costs of repurposing underutilized spaces are relatively low, a robust risk control mechanism is essential. It is advisable to start with a 3- to 6-month trial period under short-term cooperation agreements, comprehensively accounting for hidden costs such as electricity and maintenance. Compliance with fire safety and food safety regulations must be ensured, and equipment relocation terms should be agreed upon in advance for contract conclusions. Benefit evaluations should consider not only direct sales but also indirect gains from boosting nearby businesses, the comprehensive value of increased space utilization, and long-term returns from enhanced user experiences.

Future Prospects and Development Potential

The application of ice cream vending machines in underutilized spaces reflects a significant shift in commercial operation logic: from blindly pursuing prime locations to proactively creating valuable spots. As urban renewal continues and commercial formats evolve, this "lightweight, smart, and scenario-specific" spatial operation model will demonstrate even broader application prospects. The key lies in cultivating the ability to identify potential value and execute refined operations, enabling every overlooked corner to rejuvenate with commercial vitality.
This innovative approach not only opens new profit growth opportunities for commercial operators but also offers fresh perspectives for efficient urban space utilization. In an increasingly competitive commercial landscape, the ability to identify and activate underutilized spaces may yield unexpected rewards.