The machine in the photo vends books and magazines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is the brainchild of Novel Idea vending, a UK company which has been placing in this space since 2001. Cosmopolitan magazine is one of the magazines being vended through this device at Gatwick Airport. The publishing Director of Cosmopolitan explains why the vending machine works for them:
‘Purchasing a magazine to read on the plane or on holiday is a ritual for many women. By including Cosmopolitan in these vending machines, we are offering an additional innovative distribution method and extending accessibility to our readers and potential new consumers.’
6 responses so far ↓
1 Niall // May 27, 2008 at 10:26 AM
How does the price from the vending machine compare to normal retail pricing?
It does make sense however if they are only at the departure gates they may only get impulse consumers. Others who want a mag for the plane will have already bought one from the shops on the way to the gate.
2 mark // May 27, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Niall, From what I can see the prices is massaged to suit. Cosmo for example is discounted to round down. Mark
3 Niall // May 27, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I have just been reading some more about the machine. It accepts credit card payments via GPRS. You can read a synopsis of the book on the LCD screen and every month they update about 10 titles.
Also just realised the men behind it are Irish so it is now the best invention in the world in my opinion.
4 SHAUN // May 27, 2008 at 1:49 PM
WHEN CAN WE GET THESE MACHINES THEY WOULD GO GREAT IN HOSPITALS , UNI’S AND PLACES LIKE THAT
5 Niall // May 27, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Shaun,
All it would take would be a simple e-mail to the Novel Idea people to discuss distribution rights in Australia.
I agree they would be great….. as long as you had the network of people to keep them restocked and up to date. Once people see them with the same old titles all the time they will stop looking at them.
6 Derek // May 28, 2008 at 7:47 PM
I am a little confused over this piece of job displacement technology and how you feel it would be good to have in Australia.
It will be phased in eventually no matter, the reason why I feel confused is when they do get distributed in Australia, Possibly ACP may get the rights and they will put them in every shopping centre (maybe 3 or 4 in each centre), Terminal, Train Stations etc etc, I would of thought that this may of disturbed Newsagents, taking potential customers away from one’s shop.
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