RMUs and mall kiosks have varying layouts and designs, making them one of the most versatile ways to run a small business. But that variation in layout and design can present difficulties: because each model is configured differently, they also need a cover that reflects their unique layouts. The right cover does so much more than just conceal the unit—it should fit the kiosk, protect what’s underneath, work with the way the employees utilize the kiosk or RMU, and meet any special requirements of the mall or retail leasing environment.
There isn’t one universal “best cover” for mall kiosks and RMUs. One cover won’t fit all; the right cover will depend on the specs of the kiosk, what needs to be protected, and how the cover will ultimately be used. That’s why we’ve created today’s guide: to help you figure out what key features are important before ordering a cover. We’ll start with how an exact fit is essential before moving onto considerations about materials, lockability, installation, and branding. From there, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting a cover manufacturer and give you some pointers for finding the best custom-fit cover for your mall kiosk.
Why Custom Fit is Important for Mall Kiosk and RMU Covers
Mall kiosks and RMUS often have unusual dimensions, with counters, shelving, and displays that can even further complicate the shape. A cover that’s too large will be difficult to secure and even harder to install, while a kiosk cover that’s too small can leave merchandise exposed. That’s why it’s important to ensure that your mall kiosk or RMU cover fits properly. A properly fitted cover can provide more complete coverage, while also being easier to handle and install.
To get the best fit possible, here’s a few things to keep in mind when measuring your mall kiosk.
Overall length, width, and height
Protruding counters, shelving, or fixtures
Any areas that need to remain accessible
If dimensions are off or incorrect, you won’t get the precise fit that you need to secure your cover. For more information about measuring your kiosk accurately, check out the first portion of this article, “The 4 Custom Kiosk Cover Mistakes We See Most Often”.
Material Selection: Environment and Application Considerations for Mall Kiosk and RMUs
As we mentioned earlier, there’s no universal cover that will fit all mall kiosks and RMUs, and the same goes for the materials that make them up.
No single type of fabric is appropriate for every application, which is why it’s so important to select materials that will suit the needs of the RMU or kiosk it will be covering. A kiosk that’s located in an outdoor shopping center will have different material considerations than one that is in an indoor environment.
For indoor kiosks and RMUs, the main concerns are frequent installation and removal, ease of handling, and cleanability. When a cover is installed each night and removed in the morning, the type of fabric used will need to hold up to repeated handling.
For outdoor kiosks, environmental exposure is the biggest factor. Materials utilized outdoors will need to provide resistance to the elements, including water resistance and UV resistance.
While durability is important, the goal isn’t to choose the heaviest or most durable fabric available. The right material will be one that provides the protection the kiosk needs without adding additional costs, weight, or difficulty of handling to the cover.
Lockability for Mall Kiosk and RMU Covers
Locking custom covers can provide an additional layer of security when merchandise and equipment are left on the mall floor overnight. A well-designed cover acts as a visual deterrent, helping to keep merchandise inaccessible and reducing the visibility of products and displays once the mall is closed. And when you add a lock to that same cover? You’re able to not only visually deter any bad actors, but there will also be another physical barrier stopping them from thieving or tampering as well.
Lockability can provide several benefits:
· Keeps merchandise out of sight
· Restricts access to the mall kiosk or RMU to only those with a key
· Helps deter theft and tampering
With a custom cover, locking mechanisms can be incorporated into the design based on the kiosk’s configuration and how the cover will be used. This way, the cover is made to fit the kiosk while also providing an extra layer of security and access control that can suit the specific needs of the kiosk or RMU. If you own multiple kiosks or RMUs, it’s also possible to order keyed alike locks, which will all use one key. Ask your cover provider about this feature.
Installation and Removal: Considerations for RMUs and Mall Kiosks
A cover might look great once it’s on, but if employees have to get tangled inside of it for an hour every night in order to get it installed, it may not be a good long-term solution. A cover can provide protection, but only if it works for the people responsible for installing and removing it. For mall kiosks and RMUs, opening and closing is a daily routine, and a cover that is difficult to handle can become a burden for employees, who may then avoid using it.
When looking at the design for your custom cover for mall kiosks and RMUs, think about how frequently it will be installed and removed as well as how many employees are typically available for this process.
The best cover isn’t one that just fits the kiosk—it should fit the capabilities and time limitations of the employees themselves as well. When a cover is installed and removed each day, small design decisions can make a big impact on how easy it is to use, and ease of use is just as important as a custom fit when it comes to mall kiosks and RMUs.
Branded Covers: An Easy Way to Advertise Your Mall Kiosk or RMU Business
A cover is not just a protective device or a visual deterrent—it can also be a way to passively advertise your brand. Depending on the application of the cover, there may be an opportunity to include things like company logos, brand names, and printed graphics. Not only does this allow you to maintain brand visibility after hours, it can also create a more professional appearance that reflects well on your brand even when the kiosk is closed for the day. In addition, branded graphics can make the cover look intentional rather than temporary and help identify the unit to passersby who may be curious about what’s underneath the cover.
While branding isn’t always necessary, it’s a fairly inexpensive way to encourage brand recognition, no matter whether the kiosk is open or closed.
What Should You Ask a Mall Kiosk Cover Manufacturer?
Below, you’ll find a short checklist of questions to ask a potential custom cover manufacturer. The answers to these questions can quickly confirm whether or not the cover manufacturer can meet your requirements for a mall kiosk or RMU cover.
Can you build the cover to my kiosk's exact dimensions?
What materials would you recommend for my application?
Can the cover include a locking mechanism?
Can you add branding?
How will the cover be installed and removed?
Have you manufactured covers for similar retail units?
Can you produce the quantity I need?
Why Choose a Custom Mall Kiosk Cover?
A mall kiosk or RMU isn’t always a standardized piece of equipment, and its cover shouldn’t be either. Stock or universal cover provide limited protection, and they aren’t designed around the specs or the day-to-day needs of a particular unit. Custom manufacturing, on the other hand, allows the cover to be designed around the unit, its environment, security requirements, and the employees that will be using it.
Equip has manufactured custom covers for mall kiosks, RMUs, retail fixtures, and other equipment located in high-traffic hubs like malls, airports, and stadiums for over 25 years. We understand that the protection needs to work alongside the reality of a busy commercial environment. We approach each project based on how the cover will be used—not just what it needs to cover.
Choose a Custom Cover That Fits the Way You Operate
The fit of the cover is only the beginning.
The right mall kiosk cover should protect the unit while also working with the retailer's day-to-day operations. Material, security, branding, and installation all play a role in choosing the right solution.
FAQs
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The material that is best for a mall kiosk cover or RMU will be determined by a few factors, but the most important of all is environment. If a kiosk is located outdoors with little weather protection, it will require a different type of material than one that is located indoors year-round. In order to manufacture a cover that will suit your needs, ensure that your cover manufacturer knows where the cover will be used. Many malls require fire-safe materials that are rated for NFPA-701, so know those requirements as well.
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Yes, custom covers for mall kiosks and RMUs can be made to spec, meaning that they are created specifically to fit the dimensions of the kiosk itself. Stock or universal covers cannot be customized, so it’s a good idea to go with a custom cover to suit your needs.
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Custom covers for kiosks and RMU’s can be made with locking mechanisms, allowing them to act as both a protective device as well as a deterrent against tampering and theft. Ensure that you let your custom cover manufacturer know about your protection needs before production begins.
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A custom lockable cover is the perfect way to secure a mall kiosk or RMU after hours.
Protect Your Mall Kiosk or RMU With a Cover Today
Protection, ease of use, and materials all make a difference in crafting a cover that will last for years to come.
📧 Email: info@equipinc.com 📞 Call: 719-599-0300
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