Urban Value Introduces SMART Store Coolers for Residential Communities

Image Source: Urban Value Corner Store

This summer, Urban Value Corner Store is rolling out its Smart Store Coolers: an AI-powered, self-service retail experience that brings big-store convenience to residential communities of all sizes. The rollout, supported by Micromart, marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to redefine modern convenience retail, according to a recent company news release.

For years, property developers across the nation have expressed interest in integrating Urban Value’s acclaimed Urban Value Store iPnto their developments. Yet, due to population density requirements, many of those conversations ended in disappointment because the population density wasn’t there to justify a fully staffed retail operation—until now.

Addressing a Longstanding Challenge

With the introduction of the SMART Store Cooler, Urban Value is removing those limitations. The new cooler units are designed for residential communities with as few as 200 to 400 units, allowing for convenient retail access without requiring onsite personnel. The compact systems fit easily into shared community areas such as mailrooms, lobbies, fitness centers, and lounges.

How It Works

These SMART Store Coolers use AI and sensor-based technology to provide a better user experience:

Tap to Unlock: Residents use a card or mobile wallet to access the cooler.
Grab & Go: Advanced sensors detect item selections—no barcodes or scanning required.
Auto Checkout: Purchases are automatically charged as the cooler door closes.

Value Proposition

Unlike other micro-market solutions that rely on limited local inventory, Urban Value has exclusive access to McLane, a coast-to-coast distribution partner. This partnership provides access to thousands of SKUs, including a curated mix of national brands and regional favorites. This ensures a constantly rotating product selection tailored to each community.

Each SMART Store Cooler is customized for local resident preferences and trends and fully managed by Urban Value. Urban Value oversees all aspects of the cooler’s operation, including inventory control, stocking, pricing, and promotional updates. The coolers are available 24/7 and are designed for high service reliability, with 99.5% product recognition accuracy and 99.9% service reliability, according to company data.

SMART Store Coolers are positioned as a low-maintenance retail amenity for property managers and developers looking to enhance resident experience. With no staffing requirements and minimal operational involvement, the units may offer a scalable solution for communities that previously could not accommodate traditional retail options.

For more information about SMART Store Coolers, visit urbanvaluestore.com.