U.S.A. (AUGUST 2008) — Though it might be common to talk about “high-perceived value,” it often is difficult to actually define the traits and characteristics that give this designation to both capsuled and flat-vend merchandise. Why will one line quickly attract consumers’ attention while others remain unsold? Determining which products elusive bulk consumers will perceive as having a high value can be a tricky proposition…
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
LAS VEGAS (AUGUST 2008) — Learning opportunities and profit-oriented technical developments will be in the spotlight at the Amusement and Music Operators Association International Expo, set for September 10 to 12 at the Las Vegas (NV) Convention Center. The event, co-located with Fun Expo, will feature a host of educational seminars and ample time to review new products and developments during its Wednesday-through-Friday run…
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
NEW YORK CITY (August 18, 2008) — TouchTunes Corp. has acquired Barfly Interactive Networks (Austin, TX), an in-bar advertising and media company that can bring new content from some influential brands to the TouchTunes jukebox network. TouchTunes says Barfly completes its vision of an integrated network that goes beyond jukeboxes, creating a go-to entertainment and advertising center...
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
SAN FRANCISCO (AUGUST 2008) — Further enhancing the music discovery experience for jukebox patrons, Ecast recently added 12 new playlists to its existing roster. The lists draw from the latest chart-topping songs in the popular country, rock, R&B and hip hop genres. New list titles include Bottom’s Up, Party Central and Special Occasions…
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
GRAND RAPIDS, MI (AUGUST 2008) — Rowe International has unveiled the Solara 2 jukebox, which resumes the factory’s popular freestanding, compact cabinet design and introduces new graphics and updated computer hardware. Like Rowe’s NiteHawk wall-mounting and GrandStar freestanding Internet boxes, it’s powered by AMI Entertainment…
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
NEW YORK CITY (AUGUST 2008) — With the NAMA National Expo and the National Association of Convenience Stores shows coming up, I’ve been thinking about the similarities and differences between merchandise vending and convenience stores. I’ve often wondered why the two industries don’t cooperate more closely. A little history will explain my curiosity… by Alicia Lavay-Kertes
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
NEW YORK CITY (AUGUST 2008) — The present economic situation may turn out to be a temporary aberration, like the “energy crises” of the mid-1970s and early ‘80s, or a symptom of an underlying structural change. It is too early to tell; temporary aberrations often look alarmingly permanent at the time. Whatever the outcome of this one may be, there is a consensus that the vending industry must make some fundamental changes… by Tim Sanford
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL (AUGUST 2008) — Incredible Technologies (IT), the maker of Golden Tee golf videogames, and Betson Enterprises have entered into a “mutually beneficial agreement to work together,” according to an announcement by IT. Effective immediately, Betson will distribute the entire IT line through its nationwide network, which includes 11 distribution centers…
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
NE WYORK CITY (AUGUST 2008) — News came recently that Betson Enterprises and Incredible Technologies are once again working together. This development underscores an important fact about the amusement machine industry in 2008. For all its wrenching changes, this is still an industry where operators, distributors and manufacturers need each other… by Marcus Webb
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
DALLAS (August 13, 2008) — Blockbuster Inc., based here, and NCR Corp. (Dayton, OH) plan to deploy Blockbuster-branded DVD-vending kiosks that will be built by NCR. The pilot program is said to be the first step of a national rollout of thousands of units. In a related development, movie rental kiosk operator TNR Entertainment has selected NCR as its exclusive technology provider… [full story] Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
MADISON HEIGHTS, MI (August 9, 2008) —The Convenience Caterers and Food Manufacturers Association is putting the finishing touches on its fall trade show and conference, taking place September 24-26. It will be held in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. Highlights include an expanded trade show, tours of local catering houses and educational programs… [full story] Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
PHILADELPHIA (August 8, 2008) — Two nationwide research studies conducted by Aramark Higher Education indicate that customers are ready to accept trayless dining in an effort to support environmental stewardship. Aramark estimates that 50% to 60% of its 500 campus partners will forego trays in their dining halls in the upcoming school year… [full story] Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
WATERBURY, VT (August 7, 2008) — Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 were up 43.3% to $118.1 million, compared with $82.4 million in the comparable quarter of 2007. Net income was $6.3 million, up 72% from $3.7 million. Green Mountain also has chosen Tennessee as the future home of a new manufacturing and distribution… [full story] Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
PARIS, France (August 5, 2008) — The French vending association, NAVSA, and Reed Expositions France are readying Vending Paris 2008, which again will be held at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center. The biennial exposition of vending and related technology and products is set for October 29 through November 1… [full story] Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
APPLETON, WI (August 4, 2008) — Now available from L.M. Becker & Co. are bilingual display cards, offered in English and Spanish or English and French. The company also announced that its entire line, including Toy ‘n Joy bulk vending products, is available through its online store, Novelties-a-GoGo… [full story]
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
BELLEVUE, WA (August 1, 2008) — Coinstar's nationwide coin- op crane, bulk vending and kiddie ride business continued to decline during the second quarter, despite strong performance in other divisions. For the three-month period ended June 30, the company reported that its bulk vending and "other" installations, which includes kiddie rides, fell 33% from 205,000 in the first quarter to 138,000, while its skill crane placement dropped 8% from 25,000 to 23,000… [full story]
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
APOPKA, FL (July 2008) — The Lobster Zone crane once again has been targeted by PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which charges that the “machine turns torture and death into a game.” This time, the animal rights activists called attention to a machine in Denver, CO, following a complaint from a restaurant customer… [full story]
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
BRUSSELS, Belgium (July 30, 2008) — The European Vending Association has announced that it will stage its 2008 Payment Systems Conference here on September 11 and 12. It’s set for the Sheraton Airport Hotel in this historic capital, and is designed to “update the industry on the world of payment today and tomorrow…” [full story]
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
ROSEMONT, IL (July 27, 2008) — As time-pressed workers try to cut costs and eat healthier, brown-bagging is becoming increasingly popular in the American workplace, according to a new study from market research firm The NPD Group. NPD reports that the rise in lunches carried from home is contributing to the softening of the midday meal business at commercial restaurants… [full story]
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
NEW YORK CITY (July 26, 2008) — The National Coffee Association of U.S.A. has published its 2008 National Coffee Drinking Trends (NCDT) market research study. Highlights of this year’s edition include the continuing growth of gourmet coffee, with daily consumption jumping to an unprecedented 17% of the overall adult population (up from 14% in 2007). Total coffee consumers were reported to be 47% of adults age 25-39, matching this decade’s high set in 2006 and up three percentage points from last year… [full story] Issue: Vol. 48, No. 8, August 2008
