For people on the go, vending machines can provide a way to get a quick snack or drink in the middle of a hectic day. With expected revenues of $11.3 billion this year, it should come as no surprise that the vending machine market is diversifying.
86% of U.S. and Canadian consumers say that they are more likely to do business with a company that allows self-service options. So with short lines, the ability to avoid annoying checker-types, and the instant gratification that online shopping lacks, it’s easy to see the appeal of vending machines.
The same is true for vendors who can take up less space with these machines and don’t have to pay employees or deal with other costs associated with brick and mortar stores.
In the last few years, companies have begun ushering in the next wave of vending machines (look at the size of the one in the pic). Some companies have modeled their machines after Apple products, some offer greener ways to sell their products, and others have opted to sell items not commonly associated with vending machines: like clothes, makeup, acne medication and gold.
While I’m in no rush to buy jeans out of a glass box, it would be nice to have another option when I want to avoid checkout lines, quickly buy a single item, and go about the various important things I do every day.
So, as young consumers, would you prefer to see more of these types of machines in your town, or do you still prefer the human interaction involved with traditional shopping?
--Cody
Photo from this photostream and used with permission of a Creative Commons license.
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