News & Media From Elliot Maras
How facial recognition kiosks are redefining tourist photography
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Digital photography allows visitors at tourist attractions to view their photos on digital monitors. Facial recognition kiosks allow them to choose and print…
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Why a veteran airport concessionaire sees a big future for automated retail
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Self-service retailing is expanding from office and travel products to numerous other product types, including CBD products that require age verification…
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How self-service is enhancing the personal touch
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Retailers are learning that self-service technology does more than improve efficiency; it can help support a humanized environment and give consumers the…
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Self-service enters new era; employees take on new importance
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Consumers want self-service, but they also want to speak to an employee when necessary, according to the keynote presentation during the recent Self-Service…
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A look beyond micro markets in unattended retail
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Panelists from a range of industry backgrounds brainstorm the future of unattended retail in light of the pandemic, technology and greater consumer demand for…
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Does biometric technology threaten consumer privacy?
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
As biometiric technology has grown, consumer privacy laws make it critical for self-service devices to comply with these requirements. A panel during the…
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Self-Service Innovation Virtual Summit honors inaugural Innovation Awards winners
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
The winners of the first Self-Service Virtual Innovation Awards were announced yesterday during the Self-Service Innovation Virtual Summit.
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The pandemic and cash use: What are the facts?
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Data from the Federal Reserve indicates consumers have a lot of cash on their hands as a result of the pandemic. Most have used cash while paying in person…
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Hair care specialists tap e-commerce/self-service retail synergy
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Three years after launching their e-commerce business, this entrepreneurial couple began placing vending machines to make their products available to people in…
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How self-service helps a healing products retailer weather COVID-19
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
While the company was initially interested in self-service technology to improve customer convenience, the COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated how important…
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Magnet Analytics stakes its claim with personal electronics kiosks
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Eduardo Alvarez was quick to realize how a retail kiosk serves a customer need. Developing a product and a business model to meet that need has been a gradual…
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Feds make forgivable PPP loans easier to navigate
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
The federal government has introduced a simplified PPP loan application form in an effort to make the PPP loan process easier since the government announced…
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Automated retail veteran develops small footprint kiosk for impulse sales
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Kiosk veteran Eduardo Alvarez has developed a concept building and operating small footprint kiosks in high traffic locations that do not typically have a lot…
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Finding the PPP loan process perplexing? Experts offer guidance
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Expert panelists participating in a webinar offer guidance to retailers trying to navigate the process of applying for a Paycheck Protection Package loan.
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Small businesses prepare for second chance at SBA loans
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Businesses that lost out on the first round of funding from Small Business Administration loans, for relief from the coronavirus pandemic, have been given a…
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Will COVID-19 change consumer buying habits long term?
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
The COVID-19 outbreak has already shifted consumer buying habits to self-service.
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SBA runs out of COVID-19 relief money; lawmakers fight over refunding
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Two Small Business Administration programs designed to help businesses weather the pandemic — the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster…
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CARES Act to provide more loans, unemployment and tax benefits
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, signed into law at the end of March, provides new loan programs that vary depending on a company’s…
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Experts offer retailers guidance on SBA loans
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
The Small Business Administration has various loans for retailers in need of financial help to survive the coronavirus epidemic. Experts shed some light on the…
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Federal CARES Act provides relief to businesses hurt by COVID-19
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act offers major financial support for companies impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Business and…
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