365 Markets must sell Three Square Market ahead of Cantaloupe buy

May 6, 2026

The Federal Trade Commission is requiring 365 Retail Markets to divest micromarket retail technology provider Three Square Market as a condition of its planned…

Vending startup helps fight human trafficking

May 4, 2026

A small vending startup in Grand Junction, Colorado, is testing a modern, cashless approach with two machines installed at the local police station, according…

NAMA CEO Christine Cochran talks AI, placement strategies, industry consolidation

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Connect Media CEO Daniel Ceniceros spoke with NAMA CEO Christine Cochran at the recent NAMA show about competition from QSRs, the role of AI, evolving…

Andon launches AI-run store in San Francisco

April 21, 2026

Technology firm Andon Labs has launched Andon Market, an experimental retail store in San Francisco designed to test how artificial intelligence can operate a…

VendTech to showcase hardware and software at NAMA Show 2026

April 17, 2026

VendTech International will highlight several key offerings at the 2026 National Automatic Merchandising Association show, according to a press release…

WeVend and SandStar Unveil the First QR-Powered AI Smart Cooler — Redefining What Unattended Retail Can Be

Two Technologies, One Integration, One Consumer Experience — And a North American First

SandStar SRK2 AI Vending Machine Fact Sheet

High traffic? That’s exactly where SRK2 belongs. Two doors. Fourteen shelves. Designed for locations where speed, capacity, and turnover matter.

Presented by SandStar

VendGO seeks to reshape the breakroom experience

April 7, 2026

Atlanta-based vending services company VendGO is working to create a more engaging breakroom experience by offering customized workplace solutions, according…

Japanese vending machine offers taste of Kyoto

April 6, 2026

A vending machine in Kyoto is offering a unique take on traditional Japanese cuisine, dispensing frozen "obanzai," a style of home-cooked dishes rooted in…

NAMA recognizes industry contributors

April 3, 2026

The National Automatic Merchandising Association has announced the recipients of its 2026 Industry Awards, recognizing individuals and companies that have made…

Screenverse leaders share insight on DOOH buying strategy

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast David Weinfeld, co-founder and CEO at Screenverse, and Montana Accavallo, senior vice president of programmatic…

Presented by Screenverse

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

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…

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…

Presented by SandStar

Missouri city deploys medication-dispensing machines

December 24, 2025

The Pettis County Health Center has expanded community access to life-saving emergency medication with the installation of three Narcan vending machines, now…

Self-service innovators honored at ARKI Awards

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

The Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show Awards honors innovators and influencers in automated retail, kiosks and responsible self-service.

Automated retail vending market to reach $9.8B by 2031

December 3, 2025

The automated retail vending market will reach $9.8 billion by 2031 in the consumer goods and retail category. It will also grow at a compound annual growth…