An article in The Los Angeles Times blames self service kiosks and vending machines for the decline in retail employment.
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Editor's Insight: What could have been a very informative article about self service technology was overshadowed by a misdirected focus on self service's impact on retail employment.
The rise of self service does impact traditional retail, but only minimally.
The investment required for a self service kiosk or highly sophisticated vending machine limits the opportunities for these installations.
In response to this article, Walter Reed, a long-time vending industry observer, wrote a letter to the editor that gives historical perspective to reports claiming that self service innovations would replace traditional stores, as noted in another news item in today's VendingMarketWatch. 03-10-11 Elliot Maras
