COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A Kroger store and gas station in Columbus, Ohio, is installing a convenience store vending machine, reported WCMH-TV.
When operational, the unit will provide everything from drinks to pain relievers. In all, more than 150 products will be available at the automated c-store, the report said.
The machines will accept credit cards, coins and cash.
Marc Bruno, president of Service America Group, Boston, told ATMonline.com that the machine is a Shop24 unit similar to the one on the campus [image-nocss] of the State University of New York (SUNY) in Morrisville, N.Y. (pictured).
Shop24 offers 24-hour access to items such as milk, a six-pack of soda, batteries, iPod download cards and health and beauty aids, in a freestanding, self-service, outdoor unit. Shop24's product portfolio includes fresh and chilled products as well as other prepackaged grocery and convenience products, all displayed behind safety glass.
Consumers are able to create a "Shopping List" and purchase products either with cash, ATM or credit and debit cards by entering the product code on an interactive screen. A robotic arm collects the product and delivers it to the take-out gate all within 20 seconds.
The Ohio machine is the company's second in the United States and the first in Ohio, according to WCMH.
Workers are still in the process of programming the unit, and it is not fully stocked yet. Kroger officials have not released plans on any future locations. The Cincinnati-based supermarket chain said it hopes to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 25.
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