Pepsi Launches 'Social' Vending Machines

Interactive machines feature a keyboard that allows consumers to purchase a drink for a friend while they are getting one for themselves.

May 03, 2011

PURCHASE, NY ?" In an attempt to rejuvenate sales of Pepsi and its other brands, PepsiCo has begun turning to "social" vending machines to engage consumers, InvestorPlace.com reports.

The interactive touch screen vending machines encourage consumers to purchase a drink for a friend while they are getting one for themselves.

The machines feature a touch screen keyboard that allows consumers to type in their preferred recipient??s name, mobile phone number and a message that includes a code to redeem the soft drink at the nearest Pepsi social vending machine. The machines also allow customers to view beverage nutritional information.

InvestorPlace.com speculated the social vending machines "have potential to help sales," noting the ubiquity of mobile phone users who are attracted to smartphone apps. It said Pepsi also stands to acquire valuable personal information about purchasers, which they can repurpose to market other Pepsi products.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement