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Sony tests Zoom automated stores in three locations

June 12, 2006

CNET: With the installation of new souped-up automated kiosks in three shopping malls this week, Sony hopes to make the purchase of many of its electronics products as easy as buying a piece of chocolate. The first locations - in malls in Atlanta; Boulder, Colo.; and Santa Rosa, Calif. - are part of a bigger test by Sony to increase sales by melding the simplicity of online buying with the immediate gratification of a store purchase.

Sony decided to try kiosk sales now because "the stars are being aligned," said Joseph Stinziano, a senior vice president in charge of the project. Consumer acceptance of automated checkouts in grocery stores, familiarity with online sales and automated product replenishment systems ensuring that shelves do not go empty have made this the time to experiment, Stinziano said.

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