From Vending Machines to Autonomous Retail: The Evolution of Grab‑and‑Go Shopping

Retail convenience has always been driven by speed. Customers prefer shopping experiences that save time and require minimal effort. Over the years, retail…

SandStar VRK AI Vending Machine Fact Sheet

SandStar’s VRK AI Vending Machine (30,000+ sold across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 firms) embodies “Real AI. Real Easy” with its “Any Product…

Presented by SandStar

SandStar Unveils the VRK, the New Home for the World’s Most Ambitious Vending Operators

The AI-Powered vending machine brings Four-camera protection, Dual-sensor lock security, and a self-learning engine to the retail floor—all backed by an…

Why Smart Coolers and Vending Kiosks Are Becoming the New “Mini Stores”

If you’ve noticed more vending-style setups in offices, apartments, hospitals, or even airports lately — you’re not imagining it. Retail is shifting fast, and…

Revolutionizing Retail: How SandStar is Leading with Smarter Coolers and Smart Cooler Technology

SandStar is shifting the paradigm for retail by providing integrated AI solutions addressing the challenges businesses face in the selling of chilled products…

SandStar EZEgo AI Vending Machine

SandStar’s EZego AI Vending — with 30,000+ units deployed across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 companies — exemplifies “Real AI. Real Easy.” Its…

Presented by SandStar

SandStar TASTE AI Vending - CVM

SandStar’s TASTE AI Vending: A smart, elegant AI-powered retail terminal (30,000+ sold across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 firms). It offers 3 size…

Presented by SandStar

Kroger shuttering automated delivery fulfillment centers, expanding third-party delivery

November 24, 2025

Kroger is closing three automated delivery fulfillment centers it runs with Ocado, a British online supermarket and tech company.

AiFi introduces ‘eddie’ API to power frictionless checkout, loss prevention

October 1, 2025

AiFi has launched eddie, an API that applies artificial intelligence to real-time spatial data, enabling physical spaces such as stores and stadiums to…

Simbe's robot, sensors tackle grocery's fresh food challenges

August 12, 2025

Simbe, a provider of retail shelf digitization, has launched Store Intelligence capabilities to provide grocery stores with a comprehensive solution for fresh…

Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI

Labor is your most significant controllable cost—but leveraging labor as a growth driver is more complex than ever. Enter labor forecasting 2.0: an AI-driven…

GNC deploys autonomous drones to speed up fulfillment, drive inventory efficiency

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

GNC deploys Corvus Robotic drones and the return on investment is way beyond more accurate inventory.

Vidir launches automated stadium merch vending

June 27, 2025

Vidir Solutions, a company specializing in automated storage and retrieval systems, has launched its Merchandise Vending Machine. Its inaugural installation…

VenHub debuts AI-powered smart store at LAX/Metro Transit Center

June 13, 2025

VenHub Global, Inc. has launched a 24/7, fully autonomous retail store at the LAX/Metro Transit Center. The AI-powered "Smart Store" aims to provide travelers…

The strategic embrace: Blending automation and AI power with the human touch to drive customer relationships

by Jeanne Duca — Chief Marketing Officer, BCN

Retailers face a tricky balancing act: using technology to make life easier for customers while keeping the human connection that builds loyalty and trust.

ShopRite stores adopt VoCoVo headsets in New York tri-state area

May 22, 2025

VoCoVo, which provides in-store team communication solutions, has deployed its Series 5 Pro Headsets at select ShopRite supermarket locations in the New York…

Consumers want real human support and they want it fast

April 21, 2025

When it comes to interacting with a contact support center consumers still want real human support and they want it fast, accurate and on their terms.

The AI Advantage in Retail: Driving Engagement, Loyalty, and Sales

Retailers face mounting challenges as consumer expectations rise. But there’s good news. Small, strategic interventions at key moments in the customer journey…

Presented by NICE

UltronAI founder on how AI, computer vision enhance retail checkout, reduce shrink, optimize operations

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Marios Savvides, founder, chairman and CTO at UltronAI, shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor…

The rise of self-serve agents: Say hello to your helpful digital doppelganger

by Brian Browning — VP of Enterprise Solutions, Apply Digital

The emergence of autonomous, ‘agentic’ AI-driven digital assistants, capable of managing complex, multi-step tasks with minimal human input, are coming. Apply…