Coinstar, the world leader that transforms yellow coins into purchasing power, arrives in Reunion with the installation at the end of November of a first Eurocycler terminal at the E.Leclerc store in La Réserve in Sainte-Marie.
In a city, several major brands (Leclerc, Intermarket, Auchan, Casino, Super U), as well as numerous local stores, capitalize on Coinstar terminals which transform customers’ yellow coins into vouchers that can be used directly in the store. The Eurocycleur terminals also allow them to organize competitions. (via vouchers) or advertising campaigns (on the terminal screens). They thus boost their sales and build customer loyalty.. These terminals are also used by brands to collect small change for their cash register., which saves them time by avoiding having to go to the bank. Finally, they facilitate customer donations to associations, especially during the yellow part operation.
At the end of the month, the amounts recycled are generally 20 to 25% higher than the rest of the month, which shows that customers use their dormant currency to make ends meet. During the Christmas holidays, Coinstar terminals record 30% growth in traffic, helping to bring in new customers during a crucial period for supermarkets.
Concretely, how does it work ?
Eurocycleur terminals are placed inside stores.
They include three models : the e-mini for local brands (50 cm x 50 cm x 1m80) launched in 2021 ; V5, the most popular model (the one installed at the E.Leclerc center in La Réserve) for supermarkets ; the V6 for large supermarkets or small hypermarkets. There is also another very large capacity model, in Coinstar terminals, intended for large hypermarkets. Principle of operation : Eurocycleur terminals are managed by stores which pay a monthly rental to Coinstar (five-year contract). In return, it is their responsibility to ensure the collection of coins. All the money raised belongs to them. They can use the terminals as they wish. Eurocycleur terminals issue vouchers valid throughout the store at no cost. Customers must spend this voucher in full within 30 days with no change possible..
1 100 bornes Coinstar-Eurocycleur
Coinstar was established in the United States in 1991. Today, 23,000 Coinstar terminals deployed around the world. They collect 41 billion pieces each year, worth three billion dollars, in nine countries (41 million euros in France). Coinstar entered the French market in 2018 following the acquisition of Eurocycleur. This company created in Pau has been offering electronic payment and marketing services in mass distribution for sixteen years., via yellow parts recycling terminals. Today, 1,100 Coinstar-Eurocycleurs terminals are installed in France and 2,1 million people use them. The average value of coins exchanged for vouchers in France is 250 euros each year, or 19 euros per month (77% are coins of 1, 2 and 5 cents). The sums collected by Coinstar terminals amount to 300 million euros in Europe. The Germans are the first users of these terminals (100 million euros), followed by the Spanish (50 million euros).
