Designing Immersive Experiences in Specialty Retail

Immersive specialty retail experiences take shape when store design, technology, and human interaction work together to create meaningful customer connections.

The Connected Guest Journey: Arrival to Departure

Connected technology helps hospitality businesses create more seamless, convenient experiences across the guest journey. This blog explores how connected…

What's Next for Grocery: Kroger and Toshiba Talk AI, Computer Vision, & Smarter In-Store Experience

AI and computer vision are creating new opportunities to transform grocery operations and customer experiences. This video explores how Kroger and Toshiba…

The fresh food frontier, part 1: Compliance before deployment

by Ben Wheeler — Dir. of Business Dev. - Automated Retail, T-ROC

Consumers increasingly expect better food choices in workplaces, hospitals, campuses, residential properties, transportation locations, and other places where…

Cashierless robot store highlights automation at Beijing conference

August 20, 2026

A cashierless convenience store demonstrated at the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing showed how multiple robots could complete an entire retail…

The autonomous pivot: What independent retailers should know before going cashierless

by Ben Wheeler — Dir. of Business Dev. - Automated Retail, T-ROC

Computer vision, smart access, sensor-based product tracking, cloud software, and digital payments have made autonomous retail more accessible across…

Traveller Socks launches automated retail kiosk at French airport

August 12, 2026

French travel comfort brand Traveller Socks has opened its first airport retail installation at Brest Bretagne Airport in France, according to a Global Travel…

Prepango scores with FIFA merchandise vending machines

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Automated retailer Prepango used its airport network, remote monitoring and regional sales data to put official World Cup products within reach of travelers…

Virginia authorities seek suspects in self-checkout kiosk theft

August 4, 2026

The Campbell County Sheriff's Office in Virginia is investigating the theft of a self-checkout kiosk from a business along the U.S. Route 29 corridor…

Toshiba leader talks customer experience, mobile-first strategy

Eric Williams, senior account executive at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, shares insight on changing customer expectations, the value of a mobile-first…

Presented by Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, Inc.

Nominations open for Top Women in Retail Technology awards

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Connect Media is honoring the brightest and best women in retail technology leadership roles who are driving innovation. Get those nominations in! Deadline is…

Devin Janifer – A 15-Month Vending Entrepreneur’s Fresh Food Differentiation Journey

Devin Janifer is a vending operator based in Maryland with only 15 months of industry experience. He runs 3 active locations, including 4 AI smart coolers…

Presented by SandStar

Why Product Longevity Matters in Retail Technology

Product longevity helps retailers create a stronger foundation for long term operational success. This blog explores how durable technology, stable system…

The Influence of AI in Sustainable Retail Operations

Artificial intelligence is helping retailers strengthen sustainable operations through smarter decision making. This blog explores how AI improves demand…

Let's Talk Retail Episode 7: Part 3: How a Mobile First Strategy Enhances the Retail Journey

Retailers make stronger business decisions when they have a clear understanding of customer needs and market conditions. This episode explores how customer…

Dutch fuel retailer Tamoil adds smart coffee kiosks

July 14, 2026

Tamoil Netherlands has introduced EnRoute smart coffee kiosks at two of its unstaffed fuel stations, according to a Mobility Energy report, expanding food and…

Korean beauty retailer deploys AI kiosks for international customers

July 9, 2026

CJ Olive Young, South Korea's largest health and beauty retailer, is deploying artificial intelligence-powered kiosks in its stores to improve the shopping…

What Are the Criteria to Judge a High-Quality AI Vending Machine? Our Standard Lies in the Five A’s

To help operators pick dependable, profitable hardware, SandStar created the Five A Benchmark: Accuracy, Anti-theft, Affordability, Assurance and…

How to build kiosks for high-traffic environments

by Edward Roberto — Account Executive/Kiosk Whisperer, Frank Mayer and Associates

High-traffic sites require kiosks that can handle the added usage, which means success depends on choices made long before the first customer uses them.

Presented by Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc.

FTC greenlights 365 Retail Markets acquisition of Cantaloupe

June 18, 2026

The Federal Trade Commission has approved a final consent order allowing 365 Retail Markets to proceed with its $848 million acquisition of Cantaloupe Inc.…