A wave of next-gen, self-service retail is transforming how and where consumers shop — and it’s not just hype. Dive into the real stories of operators breaking sales records, delighting customers, and redefining convenience through the rise of Smart Stores.
Smart Stores are no longer just a futuristic concept—they’re rapidly becoming a retail reality. Why? And what does this mean for the future of self-service retail?
To find out, we got the intel from two operators who’ve pioneered Smart Store installations: Kyle Pinho from All Else Fit Club in Massachusetts and Shaun Dayton of Canteen of Northern California. Their experiences reveal how Smart Stores are transforming how they approach location and merchandising strategies.
Traditional vending machines are limited by their format — products are hidden behind glass, choice is constrained, and interaction is minimal. Smart Stores change all of that.
At All Else Fit Club, Kyle wanted a solution that matched his gym’s sleek, high-end aesthetic. He deliberately avoided traditional vending, calling it “an old box style” that didn’t align with the modern experience he wanted to deliver. Instead, his Smart Store allows gym-goers to open the cooler, pick up products, read labels, and even put items back without penalty. That tactile interaction makes a difference.
“I needed it to be seamless. Members want energy drinks, hydration, protein, and I needed something they could access 24/7 without staff. The Smart Store checks every box,” said Kyle.
The result? A growing revenue stream in just four weeks and a steady increase in usage as gym members grow comfortable to it.
For Shaun Dayton, Smart Stores were a game-changer for his business.
Shaun’s team replaced vending machines in a college dorm with Smart Stores and saw an astounding 5–6x increase in sales per square foot. The secret? High-ticket items, curated to the demographic, with the freedom to shop intuitively. Popular products include:
By analyzing shelf value instead of just SKU count, Shaun structured his merchandising strategy to optimize average transaction values. That strategy paid off — most transactions now range from $2.75 to $3.50, up from
Smart Stores are outperforming because they’re built for how modern consumers shop:
As Elyssa Steiner, Chief Marketing Officer, Cantaloupe noted in our recent Retail on the Go episode, “Consumers today want things fast, , and convenient.” Smart Stores are meeting that expectation head-on. In fact, they’re posting the highest average ticket size across unattended retail formats, thanks to their frictionless checkout experience and the freedom they give operators to stock high-margin or niche items.
Another reason behind the Smart Store surge? Versatility. We’ve seen operators activating Smart Stores in traditional vending locations. We know they do well in gyms and dorms. But operators are also placing them in senior living facilities, car dealerships and even airports.
Shaun even launched a flex unit at his junior college location dedicated to women’s wellness and sundries in response to feedback from female students. Products like Burt’s Bees, Advil, and face masks may not be the highest sellers individually, but they add convenience and increase basket size when bundled with drinks or snacks. Shaun and Canteen Northern California are showcasing the Smart Store’s product stocking versatility as well as its fit for just about any location.
Smart Stores are redefining the boundaries of unattended retail. They offer the familiarity and product access of a micro market combined with the security, automation, and efficiency of vending — without sacrificing user experience. What truly sets them apart is their weighted-shelf technology, which enables precise product tracking and ensures near-zero shrinkage, even in fully public spaces.
With higher average ticket sizes, a seamless shopping experience, and the ability to thrive in previously untapped locations, Smart Stores are unlocking new revenue streams for operators. Their compact design, autonomous tech, and user-friendly interface make them a smart fit for today’s smart retail landscape.
5–6x Revenue Boost: Smart Stores replaced vending machines and instantly delivered a massive lift in sales per square foot.
Premium Experience: Consumers are drawn to tactile, modern interactions — picking up products, reading labels, and paying seamlessly.
Smarter Merchandising: Operators are curating shelves based on product value and demographics, increasing average transaction sizes.
Expanding Reach: From gyms to dorms to car dealerships, Smart Stores are thriving in diverse, nontraditional locations.
Smart Stores can transform your vending business by offering more products and a smooth customer experience. Discover how these advanced machines can boost your sales and expand your business into new locations.
The Cantaloupe Smart Store is a revolutionary new way to sell food, beverages, consumer goods, and anything in between. Eliminate shrink with weighted shelf technology and built-in cameras. You’ll maximize sales by accepting any cashless payment method, including mobile wallets.
Canteen of Northern California’s work with a local college is a testament to the transformative power of cutting-edge retail solutions. The outcomes are impressive: substantial sales growth, more efficient inventory control, and heightened customer satisfaction. By embracing innovative technology, traditional vending operations were revolutionized, yielding exceptional results.
