Latest news with #vendingmachines
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Labubu craze to drive up profit 350%, Pop Mart says
Pop Mart, the Chinese toy firm behind the hugely popular Labubu dolls, has said its profits are set to soar for the first six months of this year. The Beijing-based company said in a preliminary statement that it expects profits for the period to jump by 350% as revenues more than tripled. Pop Mart, which has a stock market value of more than $45bn (£34bn), also said profitability had been boosted by increased recognition of the brand globally and cost controls. Collectors have been obsessed with the viral Labubu dolls - fictional elf-like creatures with a row of jagged teeth - which have flown off shelves and sparked long queues in shops worldwide. The company is best known for selling toys in "blind boxes" - a type of packaging that hides its contents until it is opened. Launched in 2019, Labubu dolls have helped the company become a major retailer, operating more than 2,000 vending machines and stores around the world. Pop Mart began selling its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020. The company's stock market valuation has jumped by almost 600% in the last year. Sales from outside mainland China contributed to nearly 40% of its total revenue in 2024. Many shops around the world had to pause sales of Labubu dolls due to overwhelming demand. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
I have the best job anyone can do – it makes thousands but I only work 10 minutes a week, it's perfect if you have kids
ARE you looking for a side hustle to make some quick cash without having to do too much? With costs soaring, millions of cash-strapped Brits are searching for ways to make money on the side - and while there are plenty of options, not all of them will suit someone with a busy lifestyle. 2 2 Others, such as taking surveys or even walking, often don't make enough to justify investing that much time. But what if you could rake in an extra few thousands - and it took you a mere ten minutes a week? According to one cash-savvy Brit, Chloe Concetta, that's possible - and it's all thanks to her brilliant vending machine side hustle. Vending machine businesses can be an incredibly profitable business if you're able to set up a vending machine in a busy, popular area. The best spots can be extremely profitable, but remember as the UK vending machine market is a competitive one, you'll have to act quick if you find a spot without a vending machine that you think could use one. ''The beauty of vending machine businesses is that they're low cost, high demand products that offer great profit margins because you can often buy the products in bulk and then sell them individually to mark up the price with ease'', explained the experts at Real Business. While vending machines themselves aren't cheap, you can find more affordable versions on Facebook Marketplace and eBay, like Chloe did. The initial budget should also factor in transportation costs for replenishing stock - often snacks and drinks - and the installation costs in the beginning. Popular locations that could see you make a fortune include airports, supermarkets, bus and train stations, hotels, universities, as well as hospitals and health centres. Once you've come up with a name for your business, it's time to register it with the UK government. I earn cash by selling 'actual rubbish' on eBay - I flogged a freebie I found on the floor by a bin for £10, it's crazy This is a legal requirement for UK businesses, which can be done both online or via the post. The next key step in setting up your business is guaranteeing your vending machine location. For this, you'll need to sign a contract with the property owner and its always best to ensure you have a good relationship with them. Before signing any contract, however, you should ensure you're fully aware of the terms and conditions you are agreeing to. Sharing her incredible success since jumping on the side hustle, Chloe recently said on TikTok: ''I spend ten minutes a week filling a vending machine that earns thousands. Do I need to pay tax on my side hustle income? MANY people feeling strapped for cash are boosting their bank balance with a side hustle. The good news is, there are plenty of simple ways to earn some additional income - but you need to know the rules. When you're employed the company you work for takes the tax from your earnings and pays HMRC so you don't have to. But anyone earning extra cash, for example from selling things online or dog walking, may have to do it themselves. Stephen Moor, head of employment at law firm Ashfords, said: "Caution should be taken if you're earning an additional income, as this is likely to be taxable. "The side hustle could be treated as taxable trading income, which can include providing services or selling products." You can make a gross income of up to £1,000 a year tax-free via the trading allowance, but over this and you'll usually need to pay tax. Stephen added: "You need to register for a self-assessment at HMRC to ensure you are paying the correct amount of tax. "The applicable tax bands and the amount of tax you need to pay will depend on your income." If you fail to file a tax return you could end up with a surprise bill from HMRC later on asking you to pay the tax you owe - plus extra fees on top. ''I always get questions on whether vending is really passive, can you do this with children, can you do it with a full-time job. ''The answer is yes,'' the money-smart TikToker claimed in the video. ''I'm going to be someone who tells you how you can actually make this work for you, over you working for them.'' According to Chloe, who posts under the username @ chloeconcetta, she buys stock just once a month. One of her locations is just ten minutes away from her home, which makes it extra handy to pop by if needed. ''I can literally do it on the way to somewhere else. It's also an emergency response station, so it's somewhere that is open 24/7. ''Their opening hours don't affect me and I don't have to move my schedule around it. ''Not to mention that due to the nature of this location and what they do, they are reliant on this vending machine - this is more of a necessity to them over something that's just an addition to them.'' Spilling the beans to intrigued viewers, Chloe added that to kickstart your new business, or side hustle, you should be ready to invest around £2,000 to £3,000. So far, the young woman has four vending machine - and Chloe now also helps others start their business.
CNA
20-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Why are vending machines popping up all over Singapore?
What do a fresh bouquet of flowers, a serving of durian and a pack of pimple patches have in common? In Singapore, you can get these items at any time of day – in the event of a looming anniversary, an insatiable craving or an acne breakout – courtesy of a vending machine. Once seen as nothing more than an emergency pit stop for a cool beverage on a sunny day, these machines have become a legitimate and increasingly sophisticated way of doing business across a variety of industries. Take the success of locally-founded orange juice brand iJooz for example. While growth was somewhat slow in its initial years, the business has since expanded to around 1,500 machines in Singapore alone. Its chief executive Bruce Zhang told CNA in January this year that his company was not a juice retailer but a technology company, powered by in-house software with data-crunching abilities and hardware that squeezes oranges to a perfect pulp. Likewise, Aikit Pte Ltd – a company that provides cook-to-order meals through more than 90 of its InstaChef vending machines islandwide – sees itself less as a vending machine player and more of an automated kitchen. This is because the technology within its machines allows for various methods of cooking food upon receiving an order. For instance, when making claypot rice, the machine is able to create a charred and crispy rice texture that is similar to what you would get from a traditional kitchen, said Aikit's vice-president for business and operations Sky Goh. This is opposed to the more common machine that uses an internal microwave to heat up pre-prepared dishes. But food and beverage is not the only product group where the use of vending machines is gaining traction. For instance, tastefully assembled roses and tulips have made their way out of the florist and into portable glass displays. Mr Perry Peng, the founder of White Dew Flower, told CNA TODAY that all four of his vending machines in Singapore have built-in refrigerators set at 5°C that keep the flowers fresh for a week — though he replaces them every three days to make sure they are in top condition for sale. The popularity of these vending machines as a new avenue for business is in line with changing consumer behaviour, with a stronger than ever emphasis on convenience. Statistics from data analytics firm Euromonitor International show that vending machine sales in Singapore increased for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2024. In 2019, sales stood at S$100.6 million (US$78.5 million), before the Covid-19 pandemic dipped that figure to S$85.7 million in 2020. Last year saw S$116.8 million in recorded vending machine sales – and that figure is projected to reach S$124.3 million by end-2025. What's behind the increasing ubiquity of these automated machines, and will this trend last? LOWER COSTS, HIGHER GAINS For brands like Kaki Kaki, a local durian seller that operates seven durian vending machines in Singapore, these machines offer a compelling alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar setups because the price of rent is 'significantly' more affordable. 'Singapore is quite a unique place, where even a clinic can pay S$52,000 in rent,' a spokesperson for the company told CNA TODAY. 'I can't sell S$52,000 worth of durians in a month.' He was referring to the price that a healthcare firm bid for a unit in a Tampines Housing and Development Board (HDB) estate earlier in June. In contrast, the monthly cost of renting the far smaller space needed for a vending machine can range anywhere from S$300 to S$800 in shopping centres, and between S$600 to S$1,100 at bus and train stations, according to some operators. 'At the end of the day, it's about how we lower the cost and provide the same kind of quality and convenience,' said the Kaki Kaki spokesperson. 'The more we save, the more we are able to purchase better quality durians and pass on the savings to the consumer.' Businesses that spoke to CNA TODAY declined to share specific figures, but most reported that demand for their vending machine products has been good. Ms Magdalene Lim, country head for acne-care brand Dododots Singapore, said that its vending machines that sell coloured hydrocolloid pimple patches typically turn a profit after anywhere between three and six months. 'It provides our customers a more convenient and instant way to get our products, while being able to save on costs involved like renovation, interior design and manpower,' said Ms Lim. OPENNESS OF CONSUMERS, LANDLORDS At the same time, vending machine operators note that landlords are increasingly open to leasing space to them – a trend perhaps exemplified by Kaki Kaki's durian vending machine obtaining permission to operate at Tampines MRT station. Netizens were initially intrigued, considering commuters are not allowed to bring durians into carriages. But its spokesperson said that its landlord, SMRT, was very supportive of the idea. Mr Justin Cai, an entrepreneur who tried his hand at running a fresh orange-juice vending machine back in 2018, said that setting up a vending machine operation was not that easy just a few years ago. 'As a small company, it was very difficult to get into malls and ask them for space. They felt we would be fighting (for business) against their existing fruit stalls, and end up with a lose-lose situation. 'Even the malls who agreed would offer certain rental rates that are just not viable for a vending machine business,' he added. Mr Vernon Tan, director of full service vending operator Allied Vending, said shopping malls typically have two considerations when it comes to vending machine receptivity: price and optics. 'If people are willing to pay more (for rent), I think they're more open,' he said. 'Space owners right now would also be more ready to think of where they can park machines and place them in aesthetically pleasing areas. Whereas before, it was more of an afterthought.' It also helps that customers like 25-year-old public relations executive Brenda Chan are coming around to the idea of purchasing machine-dispensed products too. 'For orange juice machines, for example, I used to be slightly apprehensive as fruits can go bad quite easily,' said Ms Chan. 'But once I witnessed the staff changing out oranges and maintaining the machines, it made me trust that the products are kept in an ideal condition.' GENERATING INTEREST FOR BRANDS AND CAUSES Sometimes, the appeal of the vending-style model goes beyond just sales or an immediate impact on the bottom line. Homegrown startup Ecoworks, for instance, has installed around 16 automated refill stations around Singapore. Instead of dispensing items in single-use packaging, its machines dispense laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid alone, allowing customers to bring used bottles to the machine to be filled up. Its founder Sean Lam said that its goal is to eliminate single-use plastic through what he termed 'reverse vending' – where each transaction saves a bottle instead of dispensing one. 'A lot of green initiatives here revolve around 'recycling', but the 'reuse' component is lacking. We are part of that solution. The bottle you have is still good enough for a second, third life,' he said. Mr Lam said demand and interest in his machines have been strong especially among the Build-to-Order estates, home to many young families. Apparel brand Ultifresh, which specialises in anti-odour and anti-bacterial sustainable clothing, also launched its first vending machine at AMK Hub two weeks ago. Touting itself as a mission-driven company, its founder Frank Yap said the vending machine model was a 'much faster' way than opening a storefront to achieve their objective of consumer education – wearing shirts more than once helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and save water. Over in the fintech world, the finance app and neobank Revolut launched a debit card vending machine in 2024 at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where one could collect and activate the card on the spot. Though it has recently relocated the machine to Galaxis in one-north, its novelty succeeded in drawing eyeballs from the NUS student population and ultimately downloads of their app – which aims to improve financial education in young adults. In these cases, the machine itself served as a touchpoint, not just a transaction. WILL THE TREND LAST? The Singapore government has for several years been encouraging businesses to adopt automation and other productivity-enhancing technologies. And if rent and manpower costs continue to be a major hurdle for businesses setting up shop, industry players said the vending machine boom may well continue. Euromonitor International forecasts predict total vending machine sales in Singapore to be on a consistent upwards trajectory and that they would reach S$140.1 million in 2029. But operators warn against the misconception that starting and operating a vending machine is a bed of roses. Despite the comparative amenability of landlords towards these machines today, Mr Tan of Allied Vending noted that finding a spot for them in the first place can be difficult. 'It's not always easy to secure locations. Singapore land is very scarce … As more people get into the space, location fees may start going up, and that eats into your business case.' Mr Peng of White Dew Flower said this was the main challenge he faced in growing his business – where sales performance differs from location to location. 'There is a lack of available space for flower vending machines in shopping malls. Most malls already have a flower shop, and those without one do not have designated spaces for vending machines,' he said. Ms Rohini Wahi, Asia Pacific senior strategist at consumer trend forecasting firm WGSN said vending machines had key advantages. Ultimately, as affordability remains a priority for shoppers amid socioeconomic instability, these machines will bring time-poor and cost-conscious consumers retail offerings that help them save time and money, she said. In order to counter the oversaturation that comes with the growing number of vending machines offering similar products, brands need to go beyond convenience by embracing playful, creative designs and customising their offerings to each location in order to stay relevant, she added.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Retail Vending Machine Market Trends Analysis Report and Growth Forecasts, 2025-2030
Expansion in the U.S. Retail Vending Machine Market is driven by increasing demand for convenience, advancements in cashless payment systems, and smart technology. The rise in automation, urbanization, and health trends are reshaping vending options, from healthy snacks to electronics. Enhanced by AI and IoT, vending machines now offer real-time inventory tracking and personalized experiences. Key market players like Amazon and PepsiCo are innovating, leading to a diversified market with new consumer engagement opportunities. U.S. Retail Vending Machine Market Dublin, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "U.S. Retail Vending Machine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product (Beverage Vending Machines, Snacks Vending Machines, Food Vending Machines), Location (Manufacturing, Offices), Payment Mode with Growth Forecasts, 2025-2030" report has been added to U.S. Retail Vending Machine Market was valued at USD 15.03 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 17.99 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 3.10%. Factors such as the increasing demand for convenient, on-the-go food and beverage options, technological advancements such as cashless payment systems and smart vending machines, and the growing trend of automation in retail are driving the market. Additionally, the rise in urbanization and busy lifestyles has fueled the need for quick and accessible shopping solutions. The integration of IoT and AI in vending machines has enhanced the user experience by offering personalized product recommendations and real-time inventory tracking. The industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing penetration of automated retail solutions across diverse locations such as malls, airports, offices, and even residential complexes. Consumers are looking for quick, contactless shopping experiences, and vending machines provide a convenient way to purchase snacks, beverages, and even electronics without the need for human interaction. The expansion of unattended retail has been particularly fueled by the post-pandemic shift toward self-service technologies. For example, Amazon introduced Amazon Go smart vending machines, which leverage AI and computer vision to enable cashier-less innovations are another critical driver in the industry. The integration of AI, IoT, and cashless payment systems has enhanced the efficiency and appeal of vending machines. Smart vending machines can now track inventory in real-time, optimize restocking, and offer personalized product recommendations based on past purchases. Companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have introduced touchscreen-enabled machines that allow customers to mix and customize their drinks. Similarly, smart vending units in universities and hospitals now dispense healthy snacks, PPE kits, and pharmaceuticals, expanding beyond traditional snack and beverage rise of healthy and premium vending options is reshaping the industry. With growing health consciousness, consumers are seeking organic, gluten-free, and protein-rich snacks, leading to an increase in vending machines offering nutritious alternatives. Brands like Farmer's Fridge and HelloGoodness (by PepsiCo) have installed vending machines stocked with salads, fresh wraps, and low-calorie beverages in workplaces and gyms. This shift reflects a broader trend where vending machines are no longer just for junk food but are becoming a part of the health and wellness movement in key factor driving the industry is the expansion of vending machines beyond food and beverage, into categories like electronics, cosmetics, and fashion accessories. Companies like Best Buy have introduced vending machines in airports that sell items like headphones, chargers, and tablets, catering to last-minute travelers. Similarly, beauty brands such as Benefit Cosmetics have installed vending machines in high-traffic areas to provide on-the-go beauty products. This diversification is enhancing customer engagement and driving higher revenue per vending industry has evolved and steadily grown over the years. As consumers' lives get busier and people seek convenience and time-saving options while on the go, vending machine operators are presented with many opportunities. As consumer preferences shift toward health-conscious and organic products, vending machine operators have the opportunity to introduce healthier snack and beverage options. Machines offering protein bars, fresh juices, organic snacks, and meal replacements can cater to the rising demand for nutritional convenience. Additionally, vending machines selling gluten-free, keto, and plant-based foods can attract health-conscious consumers in urban areas, gyms, and workplaces, expanding the market potential for specialty industry demonstrates robust growth and dominance, with over 7 million machines installed nationwide, serving approximately 100 million Americans daily. Key manufacturers are also driving market growth through continuous product innovations, introducing new flavors and formulations to meet changing consumer tastes. In July 2024, PizzaForno, North America's leading automated pizzeria, demonstrated a remarkable expansion in the first half of 2024, launching operations across multiple U.S. states, including Utah, California, Delaware, New York, Florida, and Maryland. Company Profiles Azkoyen Group U-Select-It (USI) Royal Vendors, Inc. Glory Ltd. Seaga Manufacturing Inc. Orasesta S.p.A Incredivend Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. Automatic Merchandising Systems (AMS) Express Vending DGA Vending GmbH Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 150 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $15.03 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $17.99 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.1% Regions Covered United States U.S. Retail Vending Machine Market Report SegmentationThis report forecasts revenue growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, the analyst has segmented the U.S. retail vending machine market report on the basis of product, payment mode, location, and country:Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2030) Beverage Vending Machines Hot Beverage Vending Machines Cold Beverage Vending Machines Snacks Vending Machines Food Vending Machines Frozen Vending Machines Tobacco Vending Machines Games/Amusement Vending Machines Beauty & Personal Care Vending Machines Candy & Confectionery Vending Machines Pharmaceuticals Vending Machines Electronics Vending Machines Book & Magazine Vending Machines Location Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2030) Manufacturing Offices Colleges & Universities Hospitals & Nursing Homes Restaurants, Bars & Clubs Public Places Others Payment Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2030) Cashless Cash For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment U.S. Retail Vending Machine Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Vending machines at the University of Waterloo violated privacy act
Ontario's privacy watchdog has ruled vending machines on campus at the University of Waterloo violated the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Students lodged a formal complaint with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) in Feb. 2024 after the 'smart' vending machines were installed by a third-party provider. They claimed the machines were using facial recognition technology to collect images without consent or notice. The students said they were alarmed when one of the machines, located in the Modern Languages building, malfunctioned and displayed an error message reading, ' – Application Error.' 'We wouldn't have known if it weren't for the application error. There's no warning here,' said River Stanley, a fourth-year student at UW, who investigated the machines for an article in the university publication, mathNEWS. Stanley told CTV News students then started putting sticky tack, chewing gum, or Post It Notes over the machines' sensors. vending machine facial recognition Fourth-year University of Waterloo student River Stanley explains where students have been trying to cover a hole on a vending machine that they believe houses a camera. (Colton Wiens/CTV Kitchener) The investigation An IPC investigator learned the university had signed an agreement with the company that owns the machines, Adaria, in Oct. 2023. Adaria was to provide 29 vending machines and be responsible for maintaining, monitoring and stocking them. They were installed in Dec. 2023 and removed from campus in Feb. 2024 when the school learned of the privacy concerns. The university said Adaria either purchased or leased the machines from candy maker MARS and MARS contracted Invenda to build and supply the machines. The school told the IPC it had no knowledge that facial detection technology was being used to collect demographic data. According to an IPC report, when a sale was made, the machine would record a timestamp, the item purchased and demographic data, including facial detection. The technology would then estimate the buyer's gender and age range. 'There was no dispute that the IVMs [Intelligent Vending Machines] captured video images of individuals' faces on the university's campus,' the report read. 'However, the university argued that the resolution of the optical sensor in the IVMs was too low for the device to be considered a camera or create identifiable images of individuals.' The IPC said an investigator deemed the images were of 'photographic quality' but noted those images were held for milliseconds before they were converted into abstract grayscale images and then into numeric descriptors describing the demographic data. 'Our investigation into this matter has found no evidence to suggest that personal information, beyond the initial temporary capture of facial images, was retained and further used by these vendors,' the report said. vending machine facial recognition A vending machine at University of Waterloo displays a facial recognition app error. (Reddit) Did the university know? The IPC report noted the agreement between the University of Waterloo and the vending machine company contained 'all the appropriate standard clauses necessary to protect personal information.' It also determined the university was not aware the machines had facial detection technology that was collecting personal information and had not asked for vending machines with that capability. However, Adaria's proposal did mention a collaboration with MARS to test new product innovations, including MARS Intelligent Vending Machines. The investigators stated that, although the university had reasonable contractual measures in place, it failed to carry out the necessary due diligence that would have uncovered the potential privacy concerns. Report recommendations The IPC report concluded with two recommendations: the university should review its privacy policies to ensure any future collection of personal information complies with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the university should ensure it carries out all necessary due diligence to identify, assess and mitigate any potential risks to personal information when entering into new agreements with third-party providers.
