Bricks-and-mortar retailers are now turning to vending machines as a more cost- effective way of maintaining and scaling their physical presence.
Lower costs and greater flexibility allow the machines to be set up and relocated quickly. The machines’ monitoring system also means that stock can be replenished more efficiently.
Kalms, the gift-shop chain, had to shut its last four stores last year, but continues to operate with the help of vending machines, a strategy followed by many other retailers.
Singapore Polytechnic senior lecturer in marketing and retail Amos Tan said that vending machines can help to reinvent retail space, if they are well-utilised and well-located.
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Source: The Straits Times, 15 June 2017