Responding to Convenience Store Competition, Vending Machine Operators Make New Strategies

According to data from the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association (Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association), as of the end of 2016, the annual sales of Japanese vending machines were approximately 5 trillion yen (about 302.9 billion yuan). There are many types of vending machines in Japan, half of which sell drinks, and other products sold include: comics, ramen, bread, games, seals, fish cakes, flowers, etc. However, the rapid expansion of convenience stores in Japan has threatened the sales of vending machines, prompting vending machine operators to find unique or unconventional ways to expand the functions of vending machines. One such exception is a vending machine in the nursery room of a shopping mall in Yokohama, owned by Aeon Retail Co. In addition to beverages, this vending machine, created in collaboration with beverage manufacturer Kirin Holdings Co, household goods manufacturer Kao Corp, and childcare non-profit organization Comachiplus, also sells diapers. This vending machine was born because the father who was actively involved in raising his children told Comachiplus that it would be convenient to buy directly from the vending machine when he forgot to bring diapers when he went out. Subsequently, the three put this idea into reality. The shopping center said that since the vending machine was installed in March this year, it can sell about 30 diapers per month. Kylin Group has developed a vending machine, by purchasing the goods in the vending machine, users can contribute their own power to charity. For several years, Kylin Group has been supporting early detection and treatment of breast cancer, and has set up 'Pink Ribbon' vending machines throughout Japan. Part of the sales of the 'Pink Ribbon' vending machine will be donated to a foundation to promote the Pink Ribbon campaign and raise people's awareness of early detection of cancer. In addition, the Kirin Group has also built a vending machine. Part of the revenue from these vending machines will be used to support the development of Japanese football. Other vending machines will also be used to support the development of local businesses in Japan. A competitor of the Kirin Group, Asahi Soft Drinks Co has launched a vending machine that provides 'frozen' drinks. Compared with the temperature of 5 degrees Celsius in ordinary vending machines, the temperature of drinks in Asahi vending machines is 1 Degrees Celsius. An employee of the company said: “We expect this year to be a hot summer, and hope that more people will buy (from our equipment).” At the same time, JR East Water Business Co launched an “innovative vending machine”. Through the relevant App on the mobile phone, you can purchase products in advance, and even discounts. After arriving at the location of the vending machine, scan the code to get the drink you bought before. This device is also compatible with other payment systems. The director of the business said that the company plans to deploy this vending machine in more commercial areas of the company. The above information is provided by the beverage vending machine. Please mark the reprint. Previous post: The Selfie function is built into the vending machine. Creative elements attract attention