Rethinking Your Sales Distribution Channel, this will be a Good Opportunity for your Extended Retail Business (Passive & Automated)
Opening a new store in a high-traffic area sounds great in theory, but in reality, it comes with a huge financial burden. Renovation, rent, and staffing, the costs pile up fast, especially for young brands still discovering their brand direction. That’s why more and more Malaysian businesses are thinking outside the box when it comes to distribution.
Vending machines are stepping into the spotlight. They’re no longer just about snacks and drinks. Modern vending machines are turning into mini retail stations that help brands reach new customers, test the market, and expand smarter.
Let’s take a look at how three local brands: LUMI, Dododots, and Zontiga, are making vending machines part of their growth story.
🌼 LUMI
Test Water Before Opening a Store
LUMI, a homegrown lifestyle brand, is known not only for its fantastic products but also for its smart approach to business. Before jumping straight into physical stores, LUMI decided to “test the waters” by launching vending machines at several high-traffic spots:
📍 KLIA1
📍 Tropicana Gardens Mall
📍 AURI Store, IOI City Mall
📍 SkyAvenue, Genting
📍 LUMI Café, Platinum Park
Instead of signing long-term leases right away, the team used vending machines to understand customer flow, buying behaviour, and sales performance at each location.
💭 Why it works:
Vending Machines gave LUMI a cost-efficient way to build visibility in premium areas like airports and malls without the usual rental or employee expenses. It’s a clever way to “go physical” while collecting real-time data to plan their next retail move with confidence.
📸 Dododots
From Online to Offline
Dododots, the local beauty patch brand, is known for its cute and fun acne patches. Previously, after building a loyal online community, they wanted to meet their customers offline too. But instead of diving straight into retail, they decided to start their physical distribution channel by launching their first vending machine at RIUH 2023, and later setting up a permanent one at Asian Avenue, Sunway Pyramid, and more locations.
💭 Why it works:
Dododots used a vending machine to test demand across different locations before committing to larger retail networks. Once they saw a strong presence at physical channels, they expanded. So now you can find Dododots in Watsons, Guardian, Miniso, Sephora, and even Mr DIY. It’s a perfect example of growing step by step, using vending machines as a low-risk starting point.
📸 Zontiga
Extending Business Hours
If you love film photography, you’ve probably heard of Zontiga! A creative hub offering photobooks, film development, and darkroom printing.
But Zontiga didn’t stop at just running a regular store; they added on a cute element just outside their store! They placed vending machines at One Half and REXKL, both creative hotspots in the Klang Valley, to serve film enthusiasts anytime.
💭 Why it works:
Each vending machine is stocked with film rolls and disposable cameras, letting customers shop even after hours. It’s a smart way to extend business hours without increasing staff costs. In simple terms, the store might close, but sales keep going.
Why More Brands Are Using Vending Machines?
Whether you’re a startup testing the market or a growing brand looking for smarter expansion, vending machines can do way more than you’d expect. Here are the reasons why you may consider revolutionising your business through a vending machine:
💸 1. Budget-Friendly Expansion
Reach malls, airports, and other high-traffic areas without being burdened by huge rent or staffing commitments.
🧭 2. Market Testing Made Easy
Before opening a store, use vending machines to find out which locations and products perform best.
⏰ 3. 24/7 Business Operations
Your brand stays open round-the-clock, even when your team is not there!
From LUMI’s test-and-learn approach, to Dododots’ smart online-to-offline move, and Zontiga’s round-the-clock accessibility. These Malaysian brands show that vending machines aren’t just about convenience anymore; they’re a new way to grow.
If you’re a brand looking to expand without the heavy costs of traditional retail, vending machines might just be your smartest next step. Reach out to us and see how VECHNOLOGY can bring your business expansion idea to life.👆