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Many business ideas and trends popular in other first-world countries have yet to make a significant splash in the U.S. Here are some noteworthy ones:
Milk Delivery: In countries like the UK and India, home milk delivery, straight from the dairy, is still common. Customers get fresh milk in glass bottles, which are then returned and reused.
Public Bike Systems: While some U.S. cities have begun to adopt this, countries in Europe, such as the Netherlands and Denmark, have long-standing, extensive public bike systems for short-distance travel.
Capsule Hotels: Originating in Japan, these are essentially “pod” accommodations providing basic overnight facilities for travelers who don’t need the services of a traditional hotel.
Heated Tables (Kotatsu): Popular in Japan, a kotatsu is a low table with a heater underneath and a quilt covering it. It’s a central piece in many Japanese living rooms during cold months.
Saunas as Social Activity: In Finland, saunas are a significant part of culture and social life. People often spend time with friends and family in public or private saunas, followed by a cold plunge.
Family Cloth: In some European countries, families use washable, reusable cloth for many hygiene purposes, reducing the reliance on disposable paper products.
Dog Cafes: Beyond cat cafes, countries like South Korea have cafes where visitors can play with dogs of various breeds.
TV License Fees: In countries like the UK, residents pay a yearly fee to fund public broadcasting. This model is different from the U.S. system of advertising and pledge drives for public stations.
Pantomimes: A popular form of theater during the Christmas season in the UK, it’s a mix of musical comedy theater and audience participation.
Green Roofs: Especially in Germany, green roofs (gardens planted atop buildings) are widespread, helping with insulation, biodiversity, and aesthetics.
Mobile Payments Everywhere: In countries like China, mobile payments are even more deeply integrated into daily life. QR code payments for virtually anything are ubiquitous.
Automated Convenience Stores: In parts of Asia, fully automated convenience stores with no staff are becoming popular.
Home Visiting Services: In places like South Korea, services such as travel hairdressers or beauticians that visit clients at their homes are more common.
Night Markets: Predominant in many Asian countries, these bustling markets offer everything from food to gadgets, creating a lively evening atmosphere.
Community Gardens on Trains: Japan has introduced train cars that have community gardens, allowing commuters to cultivate and tend to their personal gardens during their train rides.
Many of these ideas have cultural or infrastructural factors that have contributed to their success in their respective countries. However, with the right execution and adjustments, they could potentially find a niche audience or even wider popularity in the U.S. market.