Snacks and soda will always remain a staple of vending operations. But machines and consumer preferences are evolving. Most consumers can have anything they want delivered in a day or two. So, what can operators do to stay on top? Capitalize on impulse-buying habits and meet shoppers where they are. Consumers expect more than just snacks. They want choice. They want modern checkout. They want convenience that fits into their rhythm.
That’s where Smart Stores launch ahead of traditional vending. At Cantaloupe, we’re seeing operators succeed by replacing or supplementing their standard machines — and capturing revenues, efficiencies and customer goodwill in the process.
Why Smart Stores succeed – and what that means for you
If you’re already familiar with the Smart Store, you know it offers more than upgraded machinery — it offers a different playbook. Here’s why operators who adopted Smart Stores are pulling ahead:
- Expanded merchandising scope: A Smart Store gives you more flexibility than a standard vending machine: fresh items, wellness, tech accessories, sundries — customized for the site.
- Shrink, staffing and location advantage: Operators report major drops in theft/shrink and labor or service‑call burdens. This opens placement in spaces where traditional machines or micro markets struggled.
- Higher revenues, faster payback: In real‑world settings, Smart Store deployments have delivered 5x+ lift in sales per square foot compared to classic vending.
Case highlights
Here are three customer‑stories that show exactly what a Smart Store can deliver when done right:
Canteen of Northern California
At a college campus, Canteen replaced vending machines with a Smart Store and saw sales move from about $450‑$600 per week up to $1,600 per week—an increase of ~250%. Shrink dropped to zero.
Key takeaway: In a captive campus environment, better choice + modern format = big lift.
Barrett Vending
At a car dealership location, Barrett Vending moved from seeing 12% theft in a micro‑market to 0% theft in a Smart Store. Average transaction was $5.53 compared to $2.18 for their traditional machines.
Key takeaway: Anti‑theft tech plus premium offering opens access to new venues.
Modern Vend
At a senior‑living facility, Modern Vend introduced a Smart Store tailored to residents’ daily needs (batteries, laundry detergent, snacks). In the first month they saw: $5.74 average transaction, 52% of purchases were multiple items, and they were on pace for over $1,000 in monthly revenue.
Key takeaway: Focusing on the location product mix and convenience drives healthy transaction size quickly.
For a vending operator who already knows the terrain, the Smart Store story isn’t some future idea — it’s here, it’s proven. The question isn’t if to act, but when and how quickly. Let’s dig into what you can borrow and apply today.
What vending operators can learn
Here are key lessons you can draw from Smart Store success — and apply to your route or location strategy:
Expand product mix intentionally
Traditional machines limit size, display and payment setup. Smart Store puts more items in view, including higher‑margin or impulse items. Operators are selling protein bars, fresh grab‑and‑go, wellness items and sundries.
Action step: Review your current SKU list. Identify one or two incremental categories (wellness, sundries, tech accessories) that fit a high‑traffic location and test a Smart Store or expand a current Smart Store unit.
Prioritize user experience and payment convenience
Checkout friction kills impulse buys. Smart Store units make it smooth: mobile wallet, tap‑to‑pay, grab and go shopping.
Action step: Audit your machines: Do they accept mobile wallets? Are the payment modules up-to‑date? Consider retrofits or placing a Smart Store unit with modern payment capabilities.
Use data and security to scale smarter
Smart Store gives you live inventory tracking, analytics, minimal service calls and anti‑theft tech.
Action step: Start tracking: average ticket size, payment method mix, SKU velocity, shrink metrics. Set a goal: e.g., reduce shrink by X% or increase average ticket from $2.20 to $3.00 within 60 days.
Re‑think location strategy and flex across venues
Smart Store can go into gyms, senior housing, car dealerships, airports — where traditional vending machines might not fit or perform.
Action step: Map your current location portfolio. Identify one “non‑traditional” venue where you’ve been limited by machine format and propose a Smart Store pilot.
Why now is the time to act
- Consumer expectations are rising: they expect modern checkout and self‑service convenience.
- Traditional vending margins and growth are under pressure: Smart Stores offer a way to boost ticket size and diversify product mix.
- Location opportunity is expanding: venues previously closed to standard vending (gyms, senior living, dealerships) are now accessible.
- Tech and analytics are available: modern units give you data you’ve never had.
Smart Stores are gaining ground because they offer real advantages: better customer experience, stronger product flexibility, and increased operational control. As more operators implement these models, the broader industry is learning what works.
For vending operators looking to evolve their strategy, there’s a lot to learn from how Smart Stores are performing today. These insights can inform your next phase of growth — whether you’re ready to invest now or simply want to stay ahead of the curve. Understanding the “why” behind Smart Store success helps all operators make smarter decisions about where to go next.
Fast Facts
- 2x spend: Smart Store ticket sizes double vending averages.
- Zero shrink: Operators report no theft after switching.
- New venues: Senior living, gyms, dealerships—now in play.
- Tap to win: Contactless drives smoother, faster sales.
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.
Want to know how top gyms are turning retail into a revenue stream? Discover why more fitness centers are rethinking vending—and what they’re offering instead to keep members coming back.
In this episode of Retail on the GO, we’re joined by Shaun Dayton from Canteen of Northern California to explore how his team brought their Smart Stores to life—and what it means for the future of unattended retail. We dig into the why, how, and what’s next of the Smart Store model, including:
— What made Canteen NorCal take the leap into Smart Stores
— The challenges they faced and how they overcame them
— The impact on operations, efficiency, and customer experience
— Tips for other operators looking to future-proof their business
If you’re a vending or micro market operator exploring your next move, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay ahead of the curve. 🎧 Tune in now and hear how smart retail is becoming the new standard.