News & Media From Elliot Maras

Cast your vote! Reader’s Choice Innovator of the Year

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

It is now up to the readers to vote on the nominations to decide the Reader's Choice Innovator of the Year, to be honored at the Self-Service Innovation Summit…

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Convenience retail tech on the move, blurs merchant distinctions

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Cashierless and contactless unattended retail technology has fostered retail formats such as 'smart stores,' blurring distinctions between traditional venues…

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Self-checkout on the move in convenience retail

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

A large and a small convenience retailer share insights on successful self-checkout deployment.

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Food relief efforts seek support in wake of Hurricane Ian

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Food relief organizations are seeking donations as thousands of Floridians are in need of emergency supplies.

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Return to work sharpens location focus on convenience services

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Locations want to entice as many people as possible but still have concerns over cost and don't always know how many will be back, making customer…

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Bitcoin and crypto: Tips for beginners

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

A panel of self-service equipment operators see a big future for bitcoin and offer ideas about getting up to speed.

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ATMs, recyclers help meet cash management challenges

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

While the expansion of online banking is largely viewed as reducing the use of both ATMs and bank visits in recent years, observers have also noted an increase…

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Talking With: Greg Herman, PepsiCo Foodservice, on unattended retail

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Research confirming the consumer's preference for self-service convinced PepsiCo Foodservice to develop a solution enabled by AI and computer vision tech for…

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Cold brew coffee resumes its pre-pandemic surge

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Cold brew coffee has resumed its pre-pandemic fast growth and is expanding in numerous serving settings to a loyal customer base that skews younger, higher…

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‘Cake ATM’ allows bakery afficionado to pursue her dream

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Chicagoland entrepreneur Tianna Gawlak has been able to pursue her lifelong dream to own a retail bakery, a vision made possible by self-service technology.

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Digital transformation takes gaming by storm: Redemption links to multiple touchpoints

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Gaming equipment manufacturers have introduced mobile wallets that allow guests to create digital tickets by scanning a voucher or using their mobile account.

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Post-pandemic coffee demand soars

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The coffee industry has a big opportunity to promote out-of-home coffee given the consumer's rising coffee appreciation.

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UBS Arena pioneers Amazon’s ‘On The Fly’ automated retail

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Guests can insert their credit cards at the entry gates. Once inside, anything they take off the shelf is automatically added to their virtual cart. They are…

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Testing new technology? Run, don’t walk

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Service businesses are relying on machine learning, unattended order stations and social media outreach, with additional solutions on the way.

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Independent ATM operator growth options: Crypto and cannabis top the list

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Cryptocurrency ATMs and cannabis dispensaries offer significant growth opportunities for independent ATM operators as the two industries expand at a fast pace.

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Following COVID-19: How coronavirus pandemic is impacting convenience services

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Here's the latest news on how COVID-19, the coronavirus pandemic, is impacting the retail industry from store closings to payment trends.

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Remote work: How will it change coffee service?

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The explosion in working from home unleashed major growth in at-home coffee consumption and experimentation, creating more nuanced at-home and away-from-home…

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Robotic barista offers high quality coffee 24/7 for hospital staff, visitors

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The Robojo uses a robotic arm to prepare and serve coffee in a cup in just 60 seconds. The machine includes a bean grinder, bean hoppers, powder flavor…

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Belgian technology campus pioneers Selecta’s automated store

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Selecta's unattended Foodies Shop & Go store provided a reliable 24/7 solution for Corda Campus, home to 250 companies.

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Sports betting: A $150B opportunity?

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

While casinos have taken the lead introducing sports betting kiosks, major league sports facilities, retailers and third party gaming machine operators are…

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