Press your face up to this vending machine, and savor the selections.
With some items at $400, chances are you won’t have the change in your pocket. But not to worry, credit cards are accepted.
Vending machines aren’t just for soda, chips and candy bars 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 Daniel Butler, senior vice president of retail operations for the National Retail Federation.
“You can access them quicker and easier, and you don’t have to have the exact change.” 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 $1 billion in revenues, according to research analysts.
Macy’s, for example, got 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, Macy’s started rolling out the machines to more than half of its stores.
With just a swipe of your credit card you can purchase products such as a $19.99 flash drive or a $399.99 iPod. There also are Kodak PlaySport pocket video cameras, Garmin GPS systems, Sony eBook readers and more. If buyers are unhappy with the purchase, the items can be returned by mail within 30 days.
“E-Spots have been received very well by our customers,” said Macy’s spokeswoman Andrea Schwartz. “It’s a very simple, fast and easy way of shopping.”
Items like those in the Baby Station Vend could come in handy for travelers. Innovative Vending Solutions in Dayton, Ohio, plans to install one of the country’s first baby product vending machines at Kansas City International Airport in the next few weeks. It will dole out baby products for parents on the run — diapers, pacifiers, bottles, wipes, formula.
“They’re something new and still at that ground-floor phase,” said Jeff Thibodeau, 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. Macy’s also sells Proactiv acne skin care products in machines in a limited number of its stores. Redbox has been giving Blockbuster a run with its touch-screen movie rental kiosks at more than 21,600 locations.
Best Buy Express, a vending machine kiosk that stocks cellphones and computer accessories, digital cameras, headphones and travel adapters, among other gadgets, was named one of five “Hot Retailers” at the International Council of Shopping Centers convention.
