Macy's, which has been testing vending machines that dispense consumer electronics, says it's rolling its e-Spot automated shops into more than 400 stores. E-Spots sell such brands as Sony, Canon,
Apple, Bang and Olufsen and MyVu, with prices ranging from $14.99 to $349.99, and the company says it has been testing them with ZoomSystems for two years.
"Customers tell us they
love the no-pressure environment e-Spot provides," the company says. "Getting product information easily without pressure, and not waiting for someone with a key to unlock a cabinet or get the product
from a back room--this is the type of comfortable shopping environment that today's technology buyer appreciates."
--Sarah Mahoney