Beyond route drivers: The growing need for vending technicians

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

As vending machines, micro markets, smart coolers and unattended retail systems become increasingly sophisticated, operators need workers who can do far more…

The true cost of vending: Why zero cost Is not too good to be true

by Dave Berman — Co-Founder & Director, VendEase

Modern vending should not be something a client has to nurse along. It should be a managed service that quietly does its job: stocked, monitored, maintained…

Indra wins contract to modernize Washington Metro ticket vending system

June 23, 2026

Spanish engineering and technology company Indra has been awarded a contract by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to modernize the Metro's…

Munich Transit aims to eliminate ticket validation confusion

June 23, 2026

Germany's Munich Transport Company is updating its ticket vending machines to simplify the ticket purchasing process and reduce validation errors, according to…

Sacoa to showcase self-service kiosks at Bowl Expo 2026

June 22, 2026

Sacoa Cashless System will showcase its latest technology for bowling centers and family entertainment venues at International Bowl Expo 2026, scheduled for…

AI checkout helps Aramark keep pace at MotoGP event

June 18, 2026

Aramark Spain supported food and beverage operations at the Monster Energy Grand Prix of Catalonia from May 15-17, according to a press release, marking its…

FTC greenlights 365 Retail Markets acquisition of Cantaloupe

June 18, 2026

The Federal Trade Commission has approved a final consent order allowing 365 Retail Markets to proceed with its $848 million acquisition of Cantaloupe Inc.…

Vending industry on track for strong decade of growth

June 17, 2026

The global vending machine market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, according to a new report from Market Research Future. The report…

Sacoa powers new family entertainment venue in Venezuela

June 12, 2026

Sacoa Cashless System has completed a new installation at Elevation Bowling Center, a family entertainment venue located inside La Vela Shopping Center on…

Sacoa installs cashless technology at Virginia Pinstack location

June 4, 2026

Sacoa has completed the installation of its cashless technology platform at a new Pinstack entertainment venue in Loudoun County, Virginia, according to a…

Why mobile payments have become essential for modern vending operations

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

The vending industry has undergone a major transformation over the past decade, evolving from a primarily cash-driven business into a technology-enabled…

Finix launches Android-based unattended payment terminal for vending, kiosks

May 15, 2026

Payment processor Finix has launched an Android-based unattended payment terminal designed for vending, parking, automated retail and other self-service…

Smart Vend Group outlines strategy shift

April 27, 2026

New York-based Smart Vend Group has introduced its "Smart Node Ecosystem Initiative," marking a shift from traditional vending operations to a globally…

The Future of Frictionless Shopping Is Taking Shape: WeVend and SandStar to Launch Unique Batch Shopping Cart

For the First Time, a Smart Cooler Transaction Can Match the Way People Actually Shop — WeVend and SandStar Are Building That Reality

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.

Why the convenience store industry won't support Visa/Mastercard swipe fee settlement

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

With 85% of cards today tied to rewards programs, almost all would fall under the new ‘premium consumer’ category, leaving businesses with virtually no choice…

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…

Dallas Area Rapid Transit rolls out vending machines

November 24, 2025

Dallas Area Rapid Transit is introducing touchscreen ticket vending machines to allow customers to purchase tickets. With the machines, customers can buy day…

Baton Rouge police on lookout for vending machine thieves

November 12, 2025

Police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are on the lookout for two individuals who stole cash from vending machines. The men who were caught on camera allegedly used…

Steven King to keynote, co-host ARKI 2025: A new era for automated retail and kiosk innovation

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

Steven King of BlueSky Robotics will co-host and keynote ARKI 2025, exploring how automation and AI are redefining self-service and retail.