WeVend and SandStar Unveil the First QR-Powered AI Smart Cooler — Redefining What Unattended Retail Can Be

Two Technologies, One Integration, One Consumer Experience — And a North American First

Meet at The NAMA Show 2026

SandStar is here for you! Looking forward to seeing you at the NAMA Show 2026!April 22 - 24, Los Angels. Booth 1667 & 1767

SandStar SRK2 AI Vending Machine Fact Sheet

High traffic? That’s exactly where SRK2 belongs. Two doors. Fourteen shelves. Designed for locations where speed, capacity, and turnover matter.

Presented by SandStar

Autonomous retail concept scales up at Circa Resort

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

VenHub Global Inc. and Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas are innovating on what may be the world's most advanced autonomous smart store installation.

From vending machines to autonomous retail: The evolution of grab and go shopping

Customers want physical shopping to feel as quick and simple as online purchasing. The demand has led to the rise of autonomous retail — stores where customers…

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, Connect Media

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.