Vending

Morrisons tests self-service vending tech for nicotine products

Photo: WD Stock Photos - stock.adobe.com

March 13, 2025

Morrisons is trialing a self-service system at its Dukinfield store in Greater Manchester, allowing customers to purchase nicotine-quitting products via a touchscreen and collect them from a vending machine near the exit, according to a report by The Grocer UK. Shoppers select items from brands like Nicorette and Nicotinell on an in-aisle screen, receive a ticket for payment at checkout and then scan a second ticket at the vending machine to dispense their purchase. The technology, provided by StrongPoint's Vensafe system, aims to reduce theft and shrinkage.

This system, previously trialed by Sainsbury's for Pokémon toys and currently used by Asda for vaping and tobacco products, is designed to enhance security and streamline the purchase of age-restricted items. The Vensafe system tracks stock changes and door openings, and the system allows for age verification via AI at self-checkout.