Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch.com

06/04/2026

A very special thank you to VendVue for supporting Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation this month!

Listeners, companies like VendVue make it possible for us to bring you the Vending & OCS Nation podcast content for free every month. Please support us by supporting our sponsors and learning about their solutions. You can learn more at https://vendvuevending.com/.

06/03/2026

How much shrink is walking out of your micro markets?

At the 2026 NAMA Show, Panoptyc's Bridger Keeley shared a reality many operators know all too well: micro market theft is averaging 6% to 7%, and often goes undetected until margins take the hit.

In this video, Keeley explains how AI-powered computer vision is helping operators identify repeat offenders, reduce shrink and gain visibility into what is really happening inside their markets.

Among the takeaways:
• Theft rates continue to rise
• Operators are seeing 30%+ shrink reduction within 90 days
• New tools are extending beyond theft detection into market health, merchandising and service accountability
• Visibility and client communication remain critical to reducing losses

If you've ever wondered how much theft is costing your operation, this conversation is worth a watch.

https://www.vendingmarketwatch.com/video-showcase/video/55381211/panoptyc-shrink-is-stealing-your-margins

06/02/2026

AI and convenience services are converging in new ways. In today's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, Josh Rosenberg of Forward Thinkers explains how operators can use AI, data insights and stronger branding to adapt to changing consumer expectations and drive business growth. The discussion offers a practical perspective on transformation, technology and long-term success in convenience services.

06/01/2026

What products are driving repeat purchases in vending, micro markets and office coffee service?

At NAMA 2026, Automatic Merchandiser and Vending & OCS Nation spoke with operators, manufacturers and suppliers about the products and trends gaining traction across convenience services.

Key themes included:
• Protein-forward snacking
• Premium food and beverage options
• Functional energy drinks
• Fresh food innovation
• Data-driven product selection
• Differentiation in OCS
• Products that keep customers coming back

This PDF highlights 13 perspectives from the show floor, featuring leaders from Seventh Wave Refreshments, Mondelēz International, Wonderful Pistachios, Hormel Foods Convenience, Nestlé Professional Solutions, EA Sween, Tina's Burritos, Alliant Coffee Solutions and more.

What product category is generating the most excitement in your locations right now?

05/14/2026

Office coffee service may not generate the same buzz as smart markets and autonomous retail, but for many convenience services operators, it continues to be one of the industry’s most dependable growth opportunities.

As employers invest in workplace amenities and employee experience, operators are finding new opportunities to grow recurring revenue, strengthen customer relationships and expand service offerings beyond traditional vending.

Bob Tullio explores why OCS still matters — and why many operators see more opportunity ahead.

There is no question about it, the convenience services industry is experiencing a defining moment. Questions are swirling about in the heads of convenience services operators...

05/13/2026

What does the 365 Retail Markets-Cantaloupe merger mean for operators? We want to hear directly from the community.

From vending and micro markets to payments, software and support, this deal could reshape the industry in a big way. Take our quick survey and share what you think operators should be watching next.

Read the survey and weigh in: https://www.vendingmarketwatch.com/technology/blog/55376934/surveying-convenience-services-operators-on-the-impact-of-the-365-retail-markets-cantaloupe-merger

What does the 365 Retail Markets-Cantaloupe merger mean for operators? Vending, micro market and OCS operators are invited to share their perspective on one of the biggest technology...

05/13/2026

Technology conversations at the 2026 NAMA Show focused on more than new products. Operators and suppliers discussed AI-driven theft prevention, workflow efficiency, digital media, payments and the operational tools helping convenience services evolve.

https://www.vendingmarketwatch.com/technology/podcast/55375533/nama-show-2026-part-2-technology-and-support-solutions-that-power-the-industry-forward

05/12/2026

Technology conversations at the 2026 NAMA Show focused on more than new products. Operators and suppliers discussed AI-driven theft prevention, workflow efficiency, digital media, payments and the operational tools helping convenience services evolve.

Watch highlights from Part 2 of the Vending & OCS Nation podcast series from the show floor and catch the full episode on VendingMarketWatch.com.

05/10/2026

Smart markets dominated the conversation at the 2026 NAMA Show.

In Part 1 of our latest Vending & OCS Nation podcast, industry leaders discuss the technology, customer experience and operational shifts driving the next phase of unattended retail.

Watch the highlights and catch the full episode on VendingMarketWatch.com.

05/07/2026

In part one of our coverage of the on the Vending & OCS Nation podcast, contributing editor Bob Tullio shares some hot takes on one technology that dominated the floor: smart markets.

https://www.vendingmarketwatch.com/management/podcast/55373873/nama-show-2026-smart-markets-take-center-stage-part-1