CVS introduces vending machines

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Sep 7, 2017

CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, is testing out the automated retail trend with the launch of health and wellness product vending machines this month.

The new vending machines will be stocked with 70 popular CVS items spanning categories from personal care to food. Customers will be able to buy over the counter remedies, beauty and personal care products like deodorant and makeup remover, as well as vitamins and supplements.

The machines will be ADA compliant and feature a 22" touchscreen to help customers navigate through the products. The machines will accept QR codes and coupons as well as credit and debit cards.

The goal is to increase efficiency and maximize convenience by giving consumers access to the products they want, when they want them. The vending machines will pop up in hotels and airports, and will expand the distribution reach outside of traditional CVS retail locations.

Other retailers who have experimented with vending machines include Uniqlo, Havianas and Benefit Cosmetics.

Judy Sansone, Senior Vice President of Front Store Business & Chief Merchant at CVS Pharmacy said, "Our new CVS Pharmacy vending machine program allows us to extend that convenience beyond our brick-and-mortar locations to offer customers on-the-go essentials in the locations where they often need them most, like airports, hotels and other transportation hubs."

CVS will launch 25 vending machines in New England and NY between now and the end of October. Key locations include LaGuardia Airport and the South Station Bus Terminal in Boston. Vending machines will be placed on corporate parks and college campuses.

Cia Tucci, Vice President of Store Brands and Quality Assurance at CVS Health said this is the first time that CVS products are available to consumers outside of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. CVS is looking towards adding 50 additional machines across the country to tap into markets such as tourists and local residents who find themselves "in a pinch" without basic care products.