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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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…

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…

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…

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…

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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…

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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…

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The Retail Nomad explores the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show

Nick Harbaugh (aka "The Retail Nomad") takes viewers inside the recent Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show in Tampa.

Power, Connectivity, and Uptime: Smarter Ways to Keep Self-Service Running Strong

In this webinar, Micah Larsen, Sales Director at Switch Always On explored the two foundational elements that every unattended retail, kiosk, vending, and ATM…

Presented by Switch Always On

North Carolina elementary students earn free books from vending machine

November 7, 2025

Students at Arthur W. Edwards Elementary School in Havelock, North Carolina, are earning books instead of snacks thanks to a vending machine unveiled Friday…

Amazon Pharmacy to launch prescription pickup kiosks in Los Angeles clinics

November 6, 2025

Amazon Pharmacy will begin installing prescription pickup kiosks inside select One Medical clinics across the Los Angeles area in December, expanding its…

Speaker Spotlight: John Walsh, CRO, Farmer’s Fridge

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Learn how a background in international policy issues is playing into Farmer’s Fridge CRO John Walsh’s strategy skillset and decision making.

Lindbergh Elementary rewards strong attendance with book vending machine

November 5, 2025

Students at Lindbergh Elementary School in St. Joseph, Missouri, are earning books instead of snacks from a special vending machine as part of a program to…

Mini art vending machine debuts at Fairfax City brewery

November 5, 2025

A vending machine at Commonwealth Brewing Co. in Fairfax, Virginia, is offering miniature art prints instead of snacks as part of a local initiative to…

Scotiabank Arena adds Amazon-powered self-checkouts for Leafs, Raptors fans

October 31, 2025

Fans attending Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors games at Scotiabank Arena will now have more ways to skip concession lines thanks to new food and drink…

Classic meets modern: How vending is evolving in the age of AI

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

As the industry shifts from analog to intelligent, always-connected devices, Carpenter and Laszig look ahead to what's next for automation, from expanding…

Calor launches solar-powered gas cylinder vending machines in Ireland

October 13, 2025

Energy supplier Calor has introduced Calor Gas2Go, a solar-powered vending machine system that provides customers with 24/7 access to Calor gas cylinders…

SandStar AI Vending Drives Revenue and Efficiency for WALL’s Ice Cream in Europe

In the competitive European retail market, WALL’s Ice Cream sought to enhance customer reach and operational efficiency. The brand turned to AI-powered…

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Smart vending machine uses facial recognition to verify age for THC products

September 24, 2025

A smart vending machine at an Austin shop is using facial recognition and ID scanning to ensure customers are 21 or older before purchasing consumable hemp…