Kroger has opened a fully automated convenience store on the campus of Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio.
The store, a 10x13-foot unit that stands nine-feet tall, carries up to 200 standard convenience items, such as beverages, cleaning supplies, over-the-counter medicines, refrigerated meals and snacks. According to the vending unit maker, Shop24 Global, the robotic arms that pick purchased items can handle products up to eight pounds.
Students on the campus can pay for purchases using cash, credit or debit cards, supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) cards and meal cards from the university.
"This is a terrific brand extension opportunity for Kroger and a fantastic 24 hour retail convenience for the ONU students," said Jason Santoro, regional vice president for Shop24 Global, in a statement.