Vending

VenHub, Follett partner to bring autonomous retail stores to college campuses

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October 27, 2026

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VenHub Global Inc. and Follett Higher Education have announced a strategic partnership to introduce autonomous retail stores at colleges and universities across the United States, according to a press release.

The agreement establishes a framework for deploying VenHub's automated Smart Stores at institutions served by Follett, which provides retail and educational services to more than 1,000 colleges and universities across North America. The companies plan to create a network of unattended retail locations offering students, faculty and visitors access to merchandise and everyday essentials around the clock.

Potential locations include residence halls, student centers, athletic facilities, arenas, transit areas and satellite campuses. The stores are expected to carry convenience products, officially licensed college apparel, accessories, gifts and merchandise for sporting events and other campus activities. Each location could incorporate the institution's colors, logos and branding. Shahan Ohanessian, VenHub's founder and CEO, said in the release the partnership would help the company expand its autonomous retail presence while bringing Follett merchandise closer to where students and visitors spend their time.

Emmanuel Kolady, CEO of Follett Higher Education, said in the release that the partnership offers an opportunity to make campus retail more accessible to students, employees, alumni and visitors. The companies intend to begin with U.S. campuses, with potential expansion into international markets. Individual deployments will be developed in coordination with participating institutions and tailored to their requirements. VenHub operates autonomous retail locations at transportation hubs, including Los Angeles International Airport and Union Station.