The first commercial coin operated vending machines appeared in London in the 1880s, selling postcards and then books. In 1888, the Thomas Adams Gum Company brought vending machines to the USA and in 1907, the round candy coated gumball vending machines were introduced.
They began to spread and became popular, offering more goods, stamps, and cigars too. In the early 1920s, the first automatic vending machines started dispensing sodas into cups.
In 1926, American William Rower, created the cigarette vending machine and in the 1940s and 1950s, Vendoraltor of California gave us Coca-Cola and Pepsi from machines. Usage and coverage grew, with ever more items being dispensed by the machines. From the 1950s to the 1970s, you could even buy a life insurance policy from vending machines at American airports. Today, the range of goods dispensed by vending machines is extensive – food, drink, tickets, money and fresh farm produce. In some locations, even high value items such as iPads can now be purchased via a vending machine.
In Japan, vending machines have been big business ever since their introduction in the 1950s. Selling everything from hot meals to household products, there is apparently one vending machine per 23 people in Japan. The nation’s dense population, limited space and low rates of vandalism make it a vending machine-friendly environment.
Vending machine technology has evolved to incorporate digital signage and touch screen technology and to accept credit cards instead of cash. Many machines are now monitored remotely, enabling optimized inventory, automatic updates on maintenance needs and handling of payment services.
Contribution to Retail History
As with other technology products that have improved retail experience, the vending machine has evolved from basic snack products and canned beverages to a highly efficient kiosk that can be placed in numerous high traffic sites from airports to malls to building lobbies. These machines now dispense various products including electronics, health and beauty products, nail care, and gourmet foods. The vending machine is no longer just a form of convenience, but a marketing tool and mobile store for retailers of all types who want to target consumers in high traffic locations not only for impulse purchases but enhanced brand awareness.