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…

Presented by SandStar

SandStar Unveils the VRK, the New Home for the World’s Most Ambitious Vending Operators

The AI-Powered vending machine brings Four-camera protection, Dual-sensor lock security, and a self-learning engine to the retail floor—all backed by an…

What we learned at the Automated Retail and Kiosk Innovation Show

As automation moves deeper into physical environments, companies need to plan early for installation, maintenance, repair, and ongoing upgrades across their…

Why Smart Coolers and Vending Kiosks Are Becoming the New “Mini Stores”

If you’ve noticed more vending-style setups in offices, apartments, hospitals, or even airports lately — you’re not imagining it. Retail is shifting fast, and…

Crypto kiosks face regulatory challenges

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Are bitcoin ATMs to blame for these scams? Should they be banned? The regulatory landscape is still uncertain but there is a path forward.

Photographer creates mini Kodak Kiosk

February 6, 2026

James Warner, the photographer behind the popular YouTube channel snappiness, has built a miniature, desk-sized version of a retro Kodak photo printing kiosk…

Revolutionizing Retail: How SandStar is Leading with Smarter Coolers and Smart Cooler Technology

SandStar is shifting the paradigm for retail by providing integrated AI solutions addressing the challenges businesses face in the selling of chilled products…

California city to regulate self-checkouts

February 3, 2026

City leaders in Costa Mesa, California., have approved a new ordinance regulating self-checkout lanes at grocery stores and drug stores, a move that will…

SandStar TASTE AI Vending Machine -GDM

SandStar’s Premium Taste Series AI Retail Kiosk (30,000+ sold across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 firms) is USA-engineered with precision, boasting…

Presented by SandStar

SandStar EZEgo AI Vending Machine

SandStar’s EZego AI Vending — with 30,000+ units deployed across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 companies — exemplifies “Real AI. Real Easy.” Its…

Presented by SandStar

SandStar TASTE AI Vending - CVM

SandStar’s TASTE AI Vending: A smart, elegant AI-powered retail terminal (30,000+ sold across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 firms). It offers 3 size…

Presented by SandStar

KeyMe Key Duplication Kiosks wraps up 2025 with significant growth

January 29, 2026

KeyMe Locksmiths significantly expanded nationwide access to its self-service key duplication kiosks in 2025 through a series of new and expanded partnerships…

A look back, and a look ahead

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Kiosk Marketplace is taking a look back at some of the major stories of 2025 as well as fielding a few predictions about what 2026 may hold.

How to stretch your kiosk budget

Budgeting for large-scale kiosk programs requires much more than simply estimating hardware expenses. Here's all you need to know.

Presented by Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc.