I got inspired to make July the month of V’s, so enjoy Vegas, Valued, Vending, Vision and Vitamix.
I am always on the lookout for interesting things to write about. During a weeklong visit to Las Vegas, I saw many interesting things, but only a few stood out as unique enough to share. I love the digital art that changes every 15 minutes in the lobby of the Cosmopolitan. In this age of fast MTV attention spans, it felt hip and edgy. See video
The object that stopped me in my tracks, even amidst all the glitz and glamour, was none other than a vending machine. Yes, a simple vending machine just like the ones commonly used to quickly dispatch Snicker bars, potato chips and sodas. Namely, this vending machine was in the lobby of an upscale hotel/casino, not tucked away in a back hallway or an employee cafeteria. Oh, and this vending machine was filled with cool stuff that bordered on the luxurious. Who knows, some of the stuff probably seems practical after a few drinks and some wins or losses at the slots.
I actually had my eye on a make up bag that said, “In case of emergency put your mascara on first before helping others.” It made me laugh, and if I hadn’t just bought a new one I probably would have thrown my dollars into the vending machine. This machine banks on the fact that people in casinos are loose with their money and are more likely to indulge their desires at a moment’s notice.
When substituting a vending machine for a shopkeeper, there are no worries about bad customer service, training costs, employee costs and benefits, store hours, sick calls or theft. Could this be the wave of the future? I personally feel that there will always be a need for human engagement in the hospitality industry. Sales and service go hand in hand, which is why I teach in my Spirit in Service classes that technology can never replace providers of personalized service.
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