Monday, January 31, 2011

Vending Machines to Offer Gold

Japan entrepreneur Rokugawa plans to take his 'gold to go' business "nationwide" next year and is considering entering the Hong Kong market, he said.

Rokugawa said he may expand the business to platinum and other precious metals. The entrepreneur said he was encouraged by the gold-vending business in Europe, which has seen client numbers climb since their introduction in 2009.

The most expensive item available in Rokugawa's machine was a 7.2-gram gold coin issued by the Canadian central bank, retailing for about $410. Rokugawa declined to say how much gold will be kept in the machine at any one time.

Japan has a vending machine for every 32 people, according to Bloomberg calculations. The nation posted ¥5.1 trillion in vending machine sales in 2009, about 45 percent more than the $42.9 billion revenue in the U.S., according to the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association.

Germany’s Ex Oriente Lux, which makes bullion vending machines under the Gold to Go brand, said in September it plans to more than triple the number of machines in operation. Ex Oriente Lux AG, which says it was the first to install a gold-vending machine, operates 11 machines domestically and five abroad, including in Spain and Italy.

TG-Gold-Super-Markt in June 2009 installed its first gold bar vending machine at the Frankfurt airport,

Gold for immediate delivery has gained in each of the last 10 years, rising 30 percent in 2010. The metal's biggest one-day jump in the last 12 months was 3.3 percent and the biggest decline was 4.1 percent.

Silver coins will range from 15.5 grams to 62.2 grams, or 2 troy ounces, in weight, according to the company's catalog distributed at the opening event. Precious metal coins from the central banks of China, Australia and Canada will be on offer, the catalog showed.

Source:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20110119n1.html

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Self-service will increase as strategic priority during 2011

As retailers and retail manufacturers grow in 2011, they will increasingly embrace self-service as a strategic priority rather than treating it as an emerging technology, according to the third self-service survey by bizcommunity.com in partnership with World Wide Worx.

The survey found that companies no longer see self-service as a nice to have but as a ticket to play in a world where clients are more demanding than ever before, and that the trend is expected to accelerate sharply during 2011.

One sign is that companies in the 2003 and 2007 surveys saw self-service as a benefit mainly for their customers. Now they overwhelmingly see it as a benefit to them.

This new understanding of self-service has taken root in an economy where costs are rising and companies are desperate to save money where they can.

Compared to 2007, double the proportion of respondents saw self-service as a strategic, board-level issue rather than a tactical and operational concern. This is encouraging, since it means companies are seeing self-service as being more about customers and a channel to market.

Self-service is important when companies must drive down their costs of doing business to remain competitive and sustainable.

On the whole, self-service has come a long way in the short space of seven years since the two companies completed their first market survey. Self-service is now thought about as seriously and strategically, and companies will continue to grow as usage of self-service channels increases in 2011 and beyond.

source: http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/458/55706.html

For more information contact:

CNN Microcap News
Brentt J. Arcement
Director IR-PR
951-278-2068
www.cnncapnews.com
brentt@cnncapnews.com

Thursday, January 20, 2011

AVT Unveils New Automated Retailing System at 2011 CES

Innovative Touch Screen Gaming Center Provides Self-Service Retailing of Video Games

CORONA, Calif., Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AVT, Inc., (formerly Automated Vending Technologies) (Pink Sheets:AVTC.pk - News) (www.avtinconline.com).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110119/LA32596)

AVT, Inc. unveiled their latest Automated Retailing Systems at the recent Consumer Electronics Show, and also announced that they are beginning shipments of their new Touch Screen Gaming Centers. These sleek units, which were one of the more popular attractions at CES, dispense all types of games from a revolutionary new style vending machine. Equipped with a large 32" Touch Screen Interface, the Gaming Center allow consumers to browse selections, see previews of games, and use a credit card for an instant purchase.

The machines were developed last year by AVT's in-house designers and engineers, and the units are now beginning deployment. "We are especially proud of our innovation and pleased to have been able to conceive, design, develop and begin deployment of an entirely new product line in such a short time," stated Shannon Illingworth, AVT company founder. "Our return on the capital investment in this technology is already being realized."

The new machines are at the forefront of Automated Retailing — a segment of both the vending and retailing industries that is growing exponentially. Self-serve retailing has replaced the need for product lock-downs and employee assistance. Instead of waiting by a locked shelf display — such as those at the local Target or Wal-Mart — or looking for an employee to come and offer assistance, customers can now view, demo and purchase a wide selection of games at the Touch Screen Gaming Center – quickly, automatically, and securely.

AVT's proprietary Smart Technology is also included in the new Centers. This unique suite of advanced systems, hardware and software allows owners and operators to remotely track sales, spot trends, and receive customizable notifications and alerts.

"Gamers are going to love these machines," Illingworth stated. "These tech-savvy people and those who love the Apple iPad or iPhone will appreciate our styling, innovation, technology, and user-friendly features."

For more information on AVT and how their new Touch Screen Gaming Center gives consumers better service and selection, and retailers lower costs and improved security, visit AVT's Website at: www.avtinconline.comor www.autoretail.com, or call James Winsor, Chief Executive Officer, at 951-737-1057.

AVT, Inc. is a leading developer of automated and self-service retailing systems, and is the innovator of VMS and TSM technologies that have become the standard for the industry.

AVT's stock is traded through the Pinksheet National Market System. Ticker Symbol: AVTC.PK

For more information, visit www.avtinconline.com or www.autoretail.com

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

New market opens up for AVT self service technology

The growing demand for kiosk-based solutions was reinforced by findings of an October 2010 RIS News report, “2010 Cross Channel Tech Trends Study: Maximizing Leverage Across Channels.”

75 percent of retailers say that deploying NCR’s (NYSE: NCR, $2.7 billion market capitalization) Endless Aisle capabilities in their stores is a top three cross-channel priority for 2011, up from 25 percent in 2010.

Retailers can bring online shopping into the store converged with Customer Loyalty programs, which enables retailers to extend the reach of frequent shopper programs quickly and consistently across channels.

Through NCR’s Endless Aisle, customers can easily order out-of-stock items at an in-store kiosk or select from an expanded base of merchandise online and have it shipped to their home or to the store.

NCR’s SelfServ Slimline solution is designed for consumers who now want to be able to connect with a retailer out of the store, for example on the Internet at home or on a mobile device, and then continue their shopping journey in-store.

The offering is based on NCR’s proven SelfServ™ 60 kiosk hardware, which provides exceptional performance and superior energy efficiency. Matched up with NCR’s Netkey digital signage software, which uses a proven, scalable architecture that enables fast and flexible application development, retailers are able to quickly develop and deploy converged channel solutions.

Integrated peripherals and devices include a standard 17-inch all-in-one touch screen with integrated motion sensor, speakers, dip-reader and thermal printer. Custom options include an imaging scanner, PIN pad and full page printer. Future releases will include integrated digital signage options designed to engage customers with rich, multimedia content.

NCR’s self service slimline makes the use in a variety of self-service solutions approachable and natural,” said Lyle Sandler, NCR vice president, design and consumer experience. “The SlimLine enclosure establishes a new aesthetic that is complementary to both contemporary store design and visual merchandising displays. It engages the with self-service solutions as a positive aspect of their total shopping experience.”

AVT, Inc. is a leading developer of automated and self-service retailing systems, and is the innovator or Vending Management System and Touch Screen Vending Technologies that have become the standard for the industry.

AVT’s stock is traded through the Pinksheet National Market System. Ticker Symbol: AVTC.PK

For more information please contact:
CNN Microcap News
Brentt Arcement- Vice President of Investor Relations
951-278-2068
christaw@cnncapnews.com or visit our website at www.cnncapnews.com


*** CNN Microcap News is not affiliated with Time Warner, Turner Broadcasting or its holdings.

Monday, January 10, 2011

V-commerce changes the customer experience

Self service, unassisted retailing -- also referred to as ‘v-commerce’ – is changing the customer experience. Publicly traded companies such as Coinstar (CSTR, $2 billion market capitalization) and AVT (AVTC) and privately held Zoom Technologies are at the forefront.

Self service applications include banking, travel, foodservice, ticketing, hotels. The trend is even broader and deeper than most people realize. For example, AVTC manufacturers high technology self service retailing machines for board shorts (surfing & swimming) and pop corn, plus rental machines for rug cleaning among other applications.

Except for AVTC and Zoom Technologies, the vending industry has been comparatively slow in adoption of innovative hardware, robust software, wireless networking, and enhancements to the customer experience. The high tech leaders are pushing the industry to reinvent itself in the near future as self-service technologies continue to evolve and converge.

An effective self-service application benefits both the customer and vending operator. For the customer, the gain is in convenience, efficiency, and ability to control aspects of the transaction (e.g., product selection and payment). From an operator perspective, it involves reducing administrative expenses while providing quality service with meaningful customer relationship management (CRM).

Self-service has evolved into an operational mode that is no longer should be viewed as merely a device-based channel for selling snacks and beverages. The placements of non-traditional products with connectivity to external goods and services are increasing in popularity.

When executed correctly, self-service technology can allow consumers a range of product choices with an assortment of methods of payment. The capabilities and features that are becoming so popular in Web-based businesses such as e-commerce and kiosk operations are viable candidates for upgrading v-commerce functionality.

As customers seek more self-service deployments throughout the business world, the vending industry needs to reignite the innovative spirit that originated unassisted retailing more than a century ago.

For more information please contact:
CNN Microcap News
Brentt Arcement- Vice President of Investor Relations
951-278-2068
chrsitaw@cnncapnews.com or visit our website at www.cnncapnews.com



*** CNN Microcap News is not affiliated with Time Warner, Turner Broadcasting or its holdings.

Monday, January 3, 2011

AVT Unveils New Self-Serve Automated Retailing Systems at CES

Innovative Systems Offer New Technologies and Features

CORONA, Calif., Jan. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AVT, Inc., (formerly Automated Vending Technologies) (Pink Sheets:AVTC.pk - News) (www.avtinconline.com), is unveiling their new product line at the Consumer Electronic Show, including their advanced, proprietary vending technology with touch screen interfaces.

AVT is at the forefront of Automated Retailing, and has developed many of the systems that are defining this new industry. Some of the new units that AVT will be showcasing include their breakthrough Self-Serve Retailing Wall, which can dispense items as diverse as iPods, headphones, swimsuits, video games, and pre-paid cell phones.

AVT is also presenting the features of their proprietary Smart Technology. This unique suite of advanced systems, hardware and software allows owners and operators to remotely track sales, spot trends, and receive customizable notifications and alerts.

AVT will be joined at CES by their business partner, Flix On Stix – a company that has developed a revolutionary new technology that allows consumers to download movies, games, books and television shows from a self-serve kiosk to a portable flash drive. Flix On Stix offers a virtually limitless selection of titles – including new releases before they are available on DVD, Blu-ray or Internet subscription services; plus no late fees, no internet required, no DVDs to mail or return, and complete portability – allowing the consumer to watch what they want, when they want.

For more information on AVT or to make an appointment to speak with AVT founder, Shannon Illingworth while at CES, or see a demonstration of AVT's innovations in the automated retailing industry, please call James Winsor, Chief Executive Officer, at 951-737-1057.

AVT, Inc. is a leading developer of automated and self-service retailing systems, and is the innovator of VMS and TSM technologies that have become the standard for the industry.

AVT's stock is traded through the Pinksheet National Market System. Ticker Symbol: AVTC.PK

For more information, visit www.avtinconline.com or www.autoretail.com.