Vending Machines Coined Consumerism

A holy water dispenser in ancient Greece serves as the first known historical reference to a vending machine. What a long way this invention has come! With our ever-growing desire to eliminate the cashier from the retail equation, Vending Machines: Coined Consumerism documents the journey vending machines have made from ancient Greece to the consumer environments of today. There is no doubt that the Japanese lead the way when it comes to vending machines and the items they dispense. In cities and suburbs alike, vending machines in Japan are ubiquitous, providing everything from the expected (hot tea, food, candy) to the surprising (umbrellas, toilet paper, liquor, porn). Taking a cue from the Japanese, the growing trend to sell anything and everything via vending machines has caught on across the globe. In airports, iPods, headphones and other technological gadgets are sold in vending machines; in California, where medical marijuana is legal, vending machines supply patients with their medicine; artists from London to Buenos Aires have converted cigarette vending machines to sell art; along New York Citys St. Marks Place numerous kiosks provide fresh food for late night snackers via, you guessed it, vending machines. Key Sales Points Examines vending machines from all over the world Visual point of reference for every consumer on the go Begs the question, What wont they sell in a vending machine?