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21/10/2010 -
Rhode Island's Providence Place mall recently installed a gift card vending machine, which resembles an ATM and accepts credit cards, NBC 10 WJAR reports.Gift cards are a popular option during the holidays, and the management at Providence Place hopes the vending machine will offer shoppers added convenience. Before, customers could only purchase gift cards when the management office was open - now, they are available anytime the mall is open.
"There wasn't anywhere you could go and purchase any cards," mall manager John Grayko told WJAR. "On the weekends, there was frustration. So, we're excited to have this out for people to buy any time."
Managers told WJAR that after setting up the machine two weeks ago, they have sold an additional 25 more cards per week. Consumers can purchase up to six cards at a time, with a maximum of $300 per transaction.
Other companies have used vending machines to dispense products other than the usual snack and drink fare. In 2008, Best Buy began installing vending machines in airports that were stocked with technology products and Best Buy gift cards. The machines are geared toward travellers who forgot items such as an AC adapter or headphones.
