Sales in vending and micro markets jumped 30% last year — and smart markets weren’t even counted. Now, industry experts predict that smart stores will drive the next wave of growth, reshaping operator strategies, pricing models and customer expectations. Hear insights from leading voices in this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation.
Reprinted from Vending Market Watch
Smart stores are already having a big impact, and it is just the beginning.
Industry observers, including Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation Podcast host Bob Tullio, are wondering aloud what next year’s State of the Industry Report will reveal. Sales jumped 30% in the vending and micro market segment, and smart markets were not even part of the equation. Next year’s numbers could be off the charts!
In this episode of Vending & OCS Nation Podcast, the second that explores insights from Automatic Merchandiser’s exclusive State of Vending and Micro Markets Report, industry experts continue their discussion on the latest data. The conversation turns to what seems to be an inevitable subject these days: smart markets and their impact on the industry.
- “There is a new wave of operators who are no longer looking at vending and micro markets — they are going straight to smart stores,” said Ben Thomas of Nayax.
- “We need to change our mindset on pricing. We need to step out of that boomer bucket,” said Josh Rosenberg of Forward Thinkers.
- “We’ve been installing smart stores like crazy in FedEx locations, and to say they are doing well in sales is probably the biggest understatement I can make,” said Tony Danna of Cantaloupe Inc.
- “If we have an empty cooler, that is basically a coffin with our logo on it. That user experience comes with committed service,” said Jon Holden of All Star Services Inc.
- “Anyone who is willing to put in the work, the time, the energy and the money can compete if they have the right tools in place,” said Natali Pupovac-Peters of Naturals2Go.
- “Looking ahead, I think smart markets will increase in a big way, there will be plenty more industry consolidation, vending will decline, and new operators will continue to appear,” said consultant Orrin Huebner.
It was a lively conversation full of outstanding insights taken from two webinars in July. Both webinars are available on demand.
Episode at a glance: How smart stores are changing convenience services
| Timestamp | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 00:55 | Micro market revenue jumped 30% |
| 01:53 | New operators continue entering |
| 02:23 | Focus shifts to smart coolers and smart markets |
| 03:39 | Smart markets ROI depends on location |
| 06:21 | Consumers accept higher prices |
| 08:16 | Smart coolers create new revenue streams |
| 11:27 | Real-time data improves operations |
| 12:25 | Case studies show strong ROI |
| 14:47 | Service is critical |
| 16:43 | Competitive pressure rising |
| 19:04 | Training and equipment fit matter |
| 20:54 | Crystal ball predictions |
