WeVend and SandStar Unveil the First QR-Powered AI Smart Cooler — Redefining What Unattended Retail Can Be

Two Technologies, One Integration, One Consumer Experience — And a North American First

Meet at The NAMA Show 2026

SandStar is here for you! Looking forward to seeing you at the NAMA Show 2026!April 22 - 24, Los Angels. Booth 1667 & 1767

SandStar SRK2 AI Vending Machine Fact Sheet

High traffic? That’s exactly where SRK2 belongs. Two doors. Fourteen shelves. Designed for locations where speed, capacity, and turnover matter.

Presented by SandStar

Amazon to stock weight loss drug in clinic kiosks

April 10, 2026

Amazon.com plans to begin stocking Eli Lilly's newly approved oral weight loss drug at kiosks located in some of its primary care clinics, while also offering…

Food pickup lockers addressing the 'last mile' in the guest experience

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Smart pickup lockers are helping address one of the key points (and cost issues) in restaurant operations. Additionally, their success is opening the door to…

Costco shifting from self-checkout to scan-and-go, shoppers report

April 6, 2026

Costco is adjusting its checkout strategy, with some stores eliminating or limiting self-checkout lanes in an effort to improve efficiency and reduce theft…

NAMA recognizes industry contributors

April 3, 2026

The National Automatic Merchandising Association has announced the recipients of its 2026 Industry Awards, recognizing individuals and companies that have made…

Cinchio Solutions intros retail inventory kiosk

March 31, 2026

Denver-based technology platform provider Cinchio Solutions has launched a new self-service retail kiosk designed for cultural institutions seeking to…

Arizona medical center installs drug take-back kiosk

March 30, 2026

Canyon Vista Medical Center in Arizona has installed a secure, ADA-accessible drug take-back kiosk in its emergency room waiting area, giving residents a 24/…

Circa Resort & Casino teams with VenHub on autonomous smart store

March 24, 2026

Circa Resort & Casino, in downtown Las Vegas, is partnering with VenHub to bring an autonomous smart store to the resort.

Byte Federal launches website to combat crypto kiosk fraud

March 18, 2026

Venice, Florida-based cryptocurrency kiosk operator Byte Federal has launched a website offering information about ways to prevent fraud related to…

How smart coolers can power up vending kiosks

Smart coolers are becoming a strong option for vending kiosks and modern retail.

Tennessee considers crypto ATM ban

March 16, 2026

Tennessee is considering banning cryptocurrency ATMs to combat scams. Supporters point to the rising number of scams in the state, according to a report by…

From vending machines to autonomous retail: The evolution of grab and go shopping

Customers want physical shopping to feel as quick and simple as online purchasing. The demand has led to the rise of autonomous retail — stores where customers…

What makes the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show a must-attend event?

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

The Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show takes place December 14-16 in Miami Beach this year. Here are the many reasons to attend.

Crypto kiosk operator CoinFlip runs afoul of Texas regulator

March 11, 2026

The Texas Department of Banking has issued a consent order against Chicago-based cryptocurrency kiosk operator GPD Holdings LLC, doing business as CoinFlip…

National Retail Solutions Wins Two Inaugural 2026 CVAI Awards for AI Innovation and Business Transformation

National Retail Solutions (NRS) has been named a dual winner in the inaugural 2026 CVAI Awards, presented by ChannelVision and Beka Business Media. Recognized…

National Retail Solutions Partners with El Especialito to Launch Contest with $1,000 Prize

National Retail Solutions (NRS) is proud to announce its collaboration with El Especialito, the nation’s largest Spanish-language weekly newspaper, to launch…

From Vending Machines to Autonomous Retail: The Evolution of Grab‑and‑Go Shopping

Retail convenience has always been driven by speed. Customers prefer shopping experiences that save time and require minimal effort. Over the years, retail…

SandStar VRK AI Vending Machine Fact Sheet

SandStar’s VRK AI Vending Machine (30,000+ sold across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 firms) embodies “Real AI. Real Easy” with its “Any Product…

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