Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Macy's Increases Use of Vending Machines

Posted by Mark Brousseau

An interesting article from last week's Chicago Sun Times:

Macy's increases 'no fuss' gadget vending machines
ELECTRONICS Sell iPods, digital cameras, headphones
May 23, 2008

BY SANDRA GUY sguy@suntimes.com

Macy's is doubling the number of Chicago-area stores that sell consumer electronics in vending machines.

The machines, first called ZOOM and renamed e-Spot, use electronic arms to grab an iPod, earphones or digital camera and dispense the items.

Macy’s is doubling the number of local stores that sell consumer electronics, including iPods, in its e-Spot vending machines. Items range in price from $14.99 to $349.99.

A Macy's executive said shoppers want "one-stop, no-fuss shopping," and electronics that reflect their personal styles, and that's why the machines are in demand.

The electronics include the iPod touch, shuffle, nano and classic; Canon and Samsung digital cameras; MyVu personal media viewers, and Bang & Olufsen and Harman Kardon headphones. Prices range from $14.99 to $349.99.

New strategy
New machines have been installed at Macy's stores at Northbrook Court in Northbrook, Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, Orland Square in Orland Park, Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills, and River Oaks in Calumet City.

Macy's stores that already have the machines are at State Street, Water Tower Place, Woodfield in Schaumburg, Old Orchard in Skokie and Fox Valley in Aurora.

Macy's recently launched a "My Macy's" strategy in which each of 20 districts with 10 stores each is headed by a senior merchant, and assortments differ by region based on what shoppers want.

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