Card processing fees pose a challenge to vending machine operators

by Richard Slawsky

With card acceptance becoming a near-necessity in vending due to declining cash usage, processing fees can put meaningful pressure on already thin margins.

Atlanta transit debuts ticket vending machines

January 12, 2026

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is modernizing its fare collection strategy with ticket vending machines.

A look back at vending in 2025, what's ahead in 2026

by Richard Slawsky

Taken together, the vending stories of 2025, and the outlook for 2026, suggest an industry that is steadily redefining its role.

Vending machine market to reach $45.9T by 2035

January 8, 2026

North America leads the market due to widespread adoption of automated retail technologies and advanced payment systems.

Smart locker software market on healthy growth path

January 5, 2026

The smart locker software market, which was valued at $1.2 billion in 2024, is projected to hit $3.5 billion by 2033, according to a Verified Market Report…

NYC Asian cultural hub offers self-serve tea-infused vodka vending machine

January 2, 2026

An Asian hub called Hue House in Midtown Manhattan in New York City is home to a self-serve tea-infused vodka vending machine.

Rollney Singapore deploys robotic ice cream vending machine

December 30, 2025

Rollney Singapore, a dessert brand, has launched a fully robotic soft-serve ice cream vending machine.

Man facing charges of Ponzi vending machine scam

December 29, 2025

Jordan Chirico, 41, has been charged with allegedly running a more than $200 million Ponzi scheme involving water vending machines. He is facing criminal…

Hershey acquires LesserEvil snack company

December 26, 2025

Hershey Company has completed it acquisition of the LesserEvil snack company.

India's Northeast Frontier Railway commissions ticket vending machines

December 23, 2025

The Northeast Frontier Railway in India has commissioned 21 automatic ticket vending machines. The machines have been placed in 15 railways stations under the…

Vending machine doles out free meals in Kentucky

December 23, 2025

A vending machine in Lexington, Kentucky is providing free meals and to-purchase meals round the clock.

CoffeeBot Malaysia intros gamified vending machines

December 22, 2025

CoffeeBot Malaysia, a smart coffee vending company, has partnered with digital engagement company OneOne to provide gamified vending machines. There are 4…

Classic vending, modern twist (part 2)

by Dale Laszig — Founder, DSL Direct LLC

There may be no better example of customer-centric commerce than vending, with customers initiating, directing and controlling the experience. As demand grows…

Vending machine boasts books from local authors

December 19, 2025

A book vending machine in Washington, D.C. is promoting books by local authors.

“Better for You” options fueling new vending opportunities

by Richard Slawsky

Vending machines are becoming a strong channel for delivering those “better for you” food options in corporate offices, healthcare facilities, schools and…

Vending machine offers luxury car fragrances

December 18, 2025

Carfume, which offers luxury car fragrances, has launched vending machines in the U.K. that offers the company's full range of products.

Massachusetts school swaps snacks for stories with book vending machine

December 17, 2025

A Massachusetts elementary school is turning to automated retail to boost literacy, swapping traditional snack dispensing for a machine stocked entirely with…

The Retail Nomad explores the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show

Nick Harbaugh (aka "The Retail Nomad") takes viewers inside the recent Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show in Tampa.

Singapore provides Ferrari vending machine

December 15, 2025

Autobahn Motors recently installed a 15-story tower in Singapore that acts as a luxury vehicle vending machine, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys and…

Stationery vending machine market to reach $1.2B by 2033

December 12, 2025

The global Stationery Vending Machine market in the Consumer Goods and Retail category is projected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.5…