Move over Apple, there's another big famous company pushing its goods via vending machines. Starting this week, Sony is selling PSPs, UMDs, headphones, etc. to customers through automated kiosks. The first locations include Atlanta, Santa Rosa in California and Boulder in Crecente's own Colorado.
After customers select a product on the touch screen and swipe a credit card, a robotic arm gets the product. Sensors ensure that the product has been retrieved by the purchaser. An internet connection updates product and pricing information. The touch screen also displays music videos and movie previews.
"This is a fairly inexpensive way to get the Sony brand in high-traffic malls," said Tim Bajarin, president of the Creative Strategies research firm. "This is less expensive than creating a Dell-like storefront or a Sony Style retail store."
Sony plans to have 10 vending machines nationwide in malls, airports and grocery stores by the end of the year. And I so hope they sell next-gen PlayStations, because that is impulsive buying at its finest.
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