More for sale in vending machines

Products in the Macy's vending machine cost up to $350

You might be used to buying nothing more than chocolate bars and soft drinks from a vending machine.

But a global trend is emerging for the sale of small electronic goods and mobile phones through these devices.

Iconic US store Macy's has just announced that iPods, cameras and camcorders will be available from machines at 400 of its shops.

But technology experts believe that consumers in the UK will insist on a higher level of customer service.

Looking east

The vending machine has been embraced in Japan, where a huge number of products, from electronic goods to books, are available to buy from the appliances.

They are not only found in stores, but in public areas such as stations.

In the US, Macy's said a successful trial of what it calls "e-Spot automated shops" had prompted the decision to extend the number of machines.

Customers choose from a selection of products, ranging from $14.99 to $349.99 in price, and then swipe their credit card to make the purchase.

"Customers tell us they love the no-pressure environment e-Spot provides," said Chris Mizer, senior vice president of Macy's customer operations.

Customer service

But Matthew Bath, technology editor at the consumers' association Which?, said that the idea of lower staffing costs would be an attraction for retailers.

Consumers in the UK demand a decent levels of customer service Matthew Bath Which? technology editor

In February, Macy's announced it was cutting 2,300 jobs after a decline in sales at the start of the year.

Mr Bath said that although he expected to see these vending machines selling small electronic products and mobile phones in UK stores eventually, it would not be "any time soon".

"I do not know whether it would go down well with the British public. Consumers in the UK demand a decent level of customer service," he said.