A vending machine for saving soles
When it comes to vending machines, Silver Lake’s Cha Cha Lounge trumps all. Owner Kevin Willis stocks his bar’s vending machine with unexpected and ever-changing goodies. Items include Rubik’s Cubes, local ‘zines, Japanese snacks, T-shirts, pregnancy tests and — ahem — adult protection to prevent the need of said pregnancy tests.
Matt Horan might just give Willis a run for his money, though. In September, the 27-year-old from Bristol, England, plans to unveil Rollasole at eight nightlife destinations around town. The concept is a vending machine that dispenses flats to ladies whose feet can’t take another moment in their sky-high, toe-pinching heels.
Rollasoles, which come rolled up in a shoebox, are available in a variety of shimmery colors including silver, black and pink and cost $8 to $10. The purchase also comes with a bag to carry your heels home in.
The idea came to Horan after many nights carrying his girlfriend home from the clubs. It wasn’t easy finding a UK vending machine supplier to work with, however, so Horan revamped recycled cigarette machines. He introduced his product at six Luminar venues around England in May 2008 — and his business took off running. In about a year, he’s sold 60,000 pairs, expanded his distribution to Ibiza, and gotten in on the wedding market. Next up, he says, “We will be testing the concept on the U.S. market on a small scale in New York and L.A.” Participating venues will be finalized next month.
In the meantime, perhaps Willis will consider stocking Cha Cha’s vending machine with Rollasole flats.
-- Alexandra Le Tellier
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Photos c/o of Matt Horan at Rollasole.
Ahem?!? Aren't you adult enough to use the word condom?
Posted by: Xeno | July 16, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Oh Jeez. Where was this vending machine at the Siouxie concert last fall? $8 to $10? I'd pay $30.
Posted by: Violet | July 16, 2009 at 09:39 PM
greatest invention ever.
Posted by: peachy | July 17, 2009 at 08:30 AM
and for these shoes to be that cheap they must be made by the nimble fingers of children in third world countries, yeah?
Gals, your poor feet couldn't take those sky-high heels as soon as you put them on, let alone on your way to the club, on the dance floor, and the short walk to the valet. Plus I'm sure you don't look that cute walking around in them...most gals can't pull off wearing 3+ inch heels with out walking like Frankenstein or as if their feet weighed 30 lbs. each.
If you can pull off a casual SJP walk, then go for it, otherwise, you're just looking very painfull and not at all sexy.
Posted by: DRE DAWG | July 17, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Wow, what a clever idea. I'd buy them for that price even if I wasn't wearing heels.
Posted by: Ann | July 17, 2009 at 10:33 AM
seems like a great idea to expand on the possibilities of a vending machine. I agree with Violet though, could probably charge a bit more, especially if there was a cashless payment option on the machine.
Posted by: San Diego Vending Dude | July 17, 2009 at 11:57 AM
I agree with Xeno above.
Adult protection?
Please, use your words. It's called condoms.
Posted by: Mary-Laure | July 17, 2009 at 03:10 PM