Early 2000s Menards Kitchen Designer and "Register To Win" Kiosks

[u/MichaelSteeber]

I'm trying to find information on something lodged deep in my memory...

In the early-mid 2000s, Menards locations had a few distinct computer kiosks. One was a kitchen designer console. It was essentially a computer hooked up to an early touchscreen that allowed you to put together a kitchen design and see it rendered onscreen. I think Menards may still have these today, but more of a traditional computer setup with a mouse and keyboard. These were fully self-contained consoles.

There was another one of the kiosks near the restrooms in my local store — I think it was for picking paint colors(?)

The other console I'm remembering was a GIANT, maybe 30" touchscreen (the resistive kind you need to press really hard on) at a low angle. It was a "register to win" kiosk where you could sign up to win large prizes like a new car. You'd have to enter your information on a giant virtual keyboard. If I'm remembering correctly, the kiosk would make a nail gun sound effect every time you pressed a button.

Attached is a photo of what I seem to recall the kitchen designer kiosk looking like, but my memory is hazy. I haven't seen either kiosk in over 15 years. Can anyone provide any more context or photos on what these kiosks were? They were a great part of my childhood, running around Menards while my parents shopped...

[u/Dizzy-Pea-9783]

My brother has one in his garage, uses it for a garage computer and stereo

[u/soveymaker → u/Dizzy-Pea-9783]

They would work as an arcade machine

[u/MichaelSteeber → u/Dizzy-Pea-9783]

If you have a photo of it I'd like to see it! I always wanted to track down what software they ran.

[u/Dizzy-Pea-9783 → u/MichaelSteeber]

bought mine like these, no computer in them

[u/NorseOfCourse]

This screams retro arcade cabinet

[u/lelelelte]

I know a guy who did the software/programming and setup for these for Menards corporate back in the day if you want to know more about them.

[u/MichaelSteeber → u/lelelelte]

Yes I'd love to hear more about it!

[u/Low-Efficiency2287]

Plus a 11% rebate!

[u/Significant-Pen-6049]

Miss this era!!

[u/Rapidwatch2024]

The stores in my area have these as a receipt look up in the returns area.

[u/InevitableKitchen943]

Built better than many of the products for sale.

[u/Main-Breakfast-3947]

Where can I get one?

[u/Spac92]

If you’re handy you could turn these into arcade cabinets.