Macy’s to set up iPod vending machines

These iPod vending machines have been swarming all over UK and now they’re coming to Macy’s. After the prominent success of the vending machines in international airports and hotels, Macy’s decided to add 180 automatic dispensers to 400 of their own departmental store locations. The machines are provided by Zoom systems, an iPod vending machine company in SF. And are called eSpots at Macy’s. The vending machines work by touch screen operation and the iPod is retrieved by a robotic arm and dropped into the delivery bin. The machines accept credit cards, debit cards and ofcourse Macy’s gift cards and will offer items in the price range of $15-$350. Some of them include iPod touch, Classic, Nano and Shuffle, Canon 7 MP and 8 MP digital cameras, Samsung 7 MP digital camera and 1 GB Camcorder, MyVu personal media Viewers, Sony, V-Moda, B & O headphones, Harman Kardon headphones and Belkin Mobile accessories.

They were supposed to be installed by end of 2006, but it didn’t work out then. The vending machines are a fairly clever idea, and why not, Macy’s are cutting down on its employees.

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