Hot coffee and high-speed internet: what else attracts Vitebsk residents to the "Belsoyuzpechat" smart pavilion

A multifunctional pavilion of the Vitebsk branch of RUE "Belsoyuzpechat" has been operating on Freedom Square in Vitebsk for almost a month. Compared to a regular kiosk, it offers a much wider range of goods and has a modern coffee machine. Customers can also use high-speed internet and charge their gadgets. This is the second multifunctional smart pavilion of "Belsoyuzpechat" in the Vitebsk region; the first was installed in Orsha a year ago.

According to Tatyana Racheonok, head of the sales department of the Vitebsk branch of RUE "Belsoyuzpechat", multifunctional pavilions are of interest to young customers, largely due to whom sales of printed publications are increasing and the overall turnover of the retail outlet is growing.

– The haberdashery group, souvenirs, and food products, including various soft drinks, are widely represented here, – she says. – The display is arranged according to marketing recommendations. For example, children's printed products are at the eye level of children. The smart pavilion attracts the attention of passers-by. People who enter out of curiosity may end up buying something.

– I live in Gomel and came to Vitebsk for dental treatment. I lost my hairbrush on the train, – said Snezhana Ivshina. – But I need to tidy myself up. It's good that I went into the "Belsoyuzpechat" pavilion. I bought a comb and, at the same time, asked for a coffee – I hadn't had a refreshing drink yet on my journey.

Alexander Stepanenko came to the pavilion for newspapers:

– I live not far from Freedom Square, and it's very convenient that besides printed materials, you can buy essential goods here. In fact, this pavilion is a mini-convenience store within walking distance.

However, people rarely come to the smart kiosk to charge gadgets or use the internet yet.

– Perhaps customers are not yet accustomed to the new services at "Belsoyuzpechat", – suggests sales assistant Elizaveta Baranova. – Most often, they buy waffles, chocolate bars, and coffee. Stationery is also selling well.

For Elizaveta Baranova, working in such a place is an interesting professional experience.

– I used to work at a regular "Belsoyuzpechat" kiosk on Moskovsky Prospekt, – says the saleswoman. – It's much more interesting in the pavilion, you interact with customers more often. People ask for advice when buying goods, ask to recommend magazines or newspapers on specific topics. Sometimes, they talk about their lives incidentally – I try to keep the conversation going without getting distracted from work.

As Tatyana Racheonok reported, the next smart pavilion is planned to be installed at the end of the year in Vitebsk on Privokzalnaya Square.

"Vitebskie Vesti".