With some items at
Vending machines aren’t just for soda, chips and
candy bars in the break room anymore. Now sophisticated models with
touch screens and high-definition video offer instant gratification for
more expensive treats — iPods and Garmin GPS systems, T-shirts, even
pacifiers and baby formula.
“They are a value-added service,” said
These upscale product dispensers are popping up all
over — department and specialty stores, airports, subways, even grocery
stores. Retailers save on overhead since the machines fit into small
spaces and don’t have to be manned by an hourly employee.
The machines, which cost thousands of dollars, are now a small part of the industry, generating about
out of the electronics business years ago. But in 2006, it began
testing e-Spot, Automated retail shops selling digital cameras,
headphones and other items. Two years later
With just a swipe of your credit card you can purchase products such as a
“E-Spots have been received very well by our customers,” said
New Yorkers
A satisfactory experience? “If you know what you
want, maybe,” Furlong said. “I would want to be able to touch the
product first and talk to a clerk about it.”
Ng agreed: “It’s kind of impersonal.”
But sometimes consumers don’t have time for the personal touch.
That’s where items like those in the Baby Station Vend could come in handy. Innovative Vending Solutions in
in the next few weeks. It will dole out baby products for parents on
the run — diapers, pacifiers, bottles, wipes, formula. The company also
sells branded merchandise like T-shirts at themed restaurants.
“They’re something new and still at that ground-floor phase,” said
vice president of Innovative Vending Solutions. “But they are great
marketing tools and the next phase of Internet retailing — instant
gratification.”
Sephora has put its cosmetics and body products in several airport vending machines.
Best Buy Express, a vending machine kiosk that
stocks cell phones and computer accessories, digital cameras,
headphones and travel adapters, among other gadgets, was named one of
five “Hot Retailers” at the
Coca-Cola has parked its interactive machines that
allow consumers to purchase about 100 of its drink brands, including
Diet Coke, Fanta and Minute Maid, in some upscale shopping malls. They
feature Samsung 46-inch LCD touch screen, motion graphics and
high-definition video.
When the
Still, many consumers want one-on-one time with a
sales clerk rather than the self-service route. The machines also have
to be accessible but also in a secure place so someone might not be
tempted to drive off with the whole thing like they occasionally
attempt with ATM machines.
Items with expiration dates — batteries, food,
publications — have to be maintained regularly, and the machines need
to be well-stocked for visual appeal. Customers also need an option if
the product isn’t vended.
“If you lose a dollar, it’s not a big deal. If you lose
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