Macdonalds Trials Merchandise Areas
New store format aims for higher margin sales
May 7 2002
Fast food giant Macdonalds is moving further into retail territory with the development of a larger store format which will include a sales area for branded clothing and merchandise.
The first store, in Columbus, Ohio also includes a dessert stand with coffee imported from Italy, a living room area targeting adult, and a karaoke booth Macdonalds is already the world’s biggest toy retailer, according to some measures, thanks to the distribution of millions of giveaways with Happy Meals. With margins on fast food sales already pared to bone, particularly in the US, Macdonalds in known to be considering other ways of generating revenue alongside the core business. Last year, the company bought a minority share in premium UK sandwich business Pret a Manger. Meanwhile, McDonald’s restaurants in Japan are to offer internet access, following a deal internet investor Softbank which will see high-speed links installed in almost 4,000 of its restaurants. The wireless LAN network will allow people with a laptop or a palmtop to send and receive data at broadband speed.
