News

Sock vending machines launch in San Francisco

August 6, 2019

The Sock Spot, a novelty sock retailer, has launched its first of several automated retail units at Westfield San Francisco Centre, according to a press release.

The unit, located by the Powell/Market Street Bart entrance of the concourse level at the shopping mall, features a selection of over 40 pairs of novelty socks, specialized for shoppers in the San Francisco area. 

"To me, this represents something in retail that hasn't been done," Ben Williams, CEO, said in the release. "An evolution that allows a small online startup to expand the reach of our brand, deliver a unique, online-esque experience to brick and mortar, and use our wealth of digital knowledge to specialize the assortment." 

"The machine is definitely a change from vending machines that people know," he added. "It is 100% touchscreen and 100% cashless, accepting mobile payment and credit cards. It has an add-to-cart feature so you can shop and purchase more than one pair at a time. As we proceed, the machine is going to keep evolving; adapting both its assortment and its interface to fit the people around it and offer a truly unique and interactive experience."

The Sock Spot partnered with Digital Media Vending International to bring the concept to life.