Game Changers: Driving the Growth of Unattended Retail
Discover the secrets to thriving in the booming micro market and unattended retail space with expert insights, proven strategies, and the latest tech trends that are redefining convenience and profitability.
August 28, 2025
7:00 PM UTC
1 hour
Sponsored by
This webinar was originally held on August 28, 2025 and is now available for on demand viewing.
As the recent Automatic Merchandiser’s State of the Industry report revealed, micro markets and unattended retail are experiencing explosive growth. In 2021, there were roughly 25,000 micro markets on location. Today, that number has more than doubled to just under 60,000 markets. There are numerous factors driving that growth. This webinar is all about strategies and best practices that can help operators cash in on this lucrative opportunity – expected to get even better as smart markets become more prevalent.
Topics to be covered:
What kind of technology should operators be looking for in their markets?
How important is data in the success of a market?
Are smart markets able to deliver a strong ROI?
What are the best locations for smart markets?
Is there still a place for vending?
How can operators make their markets more attractive?
What is driving the consumer appetite for micro markets.
How important is customer support when it comes to shrink mitigation and how can an operator earn that support?
What type of food products are resonating with Gen Z and Millennials?
How do the shopping habits differ with today’s office workers?
How can operators get increased micro market usage?
Is décor important in smart market locations?
What is the impact of lighting in micro markets?
How does an operator gain a competitive advantage when selling a micro market account?
What is the appropriate size for an unattended retail location?
What game changing features do operators love the most?
Which non-traditional locations are working for operators?
Speaker
Mike Jamison
CEO
NewAge Vending
Mike Jamison is the CEO of NewAge Vending, a company revolutionizing the vending industry in Middle Tennessee. With a focus on state-of-the-art technology and exceptional customer service, Mike is dedicated to transforming outdated vending experiences into something modern and reliable. His entrepreneurial journey is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to providing better, more convenient solutions. Overcoming personal challenges, including three years of sobriety, Mike has channeled his renewed energy into building a business that truly makes a difference.
Dave Little
Senior Small Business Solutions Manager
Cantaloupe
Dave has been helping unattended retail operators grow for over 10 years. Based out of Arizona, Dave works with small operations to scale and upgrade their vending, micro market, and smart cooler footprints.
Marcio Campos
Business Development Manager
Due North
Marcio Campos is a Business Development Manager at Due North with more than 20 years of experience driving growth and partnerships. Over the past four years, he has specialized in technology-focused business development, building global collaborations in retail technology with a focus on AI-powered smart vending, consumer engagement, and operational efficiency solutions.
At Due North, Marcio works closely with engineering and technology teams to integrate innovative solutions into the company’s refrigerators and freezers, enabling partners to bring turnkey products to market with the most reliable and advanced refrigeration systems. He also supports business development across multiple verticals and manages special projects involving product customization and new product development.
Kim Miros
Owner
DAC Total Refreshments
Kim Miros is the owner of DAC Total Refreshments in fast growing Ocala, Florida. In 2017, Kim acquired Drop A Coin Vending, Central Florida's longest-running vending company, now known as DAC Total Refreshments. Today, she is a highly respected industry thought leader, always interested in the newest technology and ways to improve the performance of her company.
Kim is certainly a leading operator in her market. She is also considered a workplace experience and breakroom specialist. It was a challenging journey for Kim, as the transition from schoolteacher to operator was not easy. She worked long hours and applied a hands-on approach, which has now resulted in a successful and growing operation.
Jason Postl
CEO
Fresh and Easy Markets
Born and raised in Southern California with a love of family, faith, and sports.
Attained a Business Degree with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from California State University Fullerton.
I've lived in Arizona for the past 11 years and feel like it's a perfect fit for what I value.
My passions are growing businesses where our clients, vendors, and employees all experience a high level of success.
I've enjoyed leading in the Action Sports, Healthcare, and now Autonomous Retail industries and have met incredible people and mentors along the way.
I have a fantastic wife and 9 amazing children that are the highlight of my life.
Brandon Brooks
Owner
Refresh Logic AI
Brandon Brooks is one of the national leaders in the smart vending industry, pioneering the future of retail through AI-powered Smart Stores and Smart Cafe concepts. With deploying 300 AI coolers nationwide, Brandon blends technology, strategic placement, and customer engagement to transform how businesses, campuses, and high-traffic locations serve their staff and customers.
Bob Tullio is a content specialist, speaker, sales trainer, consultant and contributing editor of Automatic Merchandiser/VendingMarketWatch.com. He advises entrepreneurs on how to build a successful business from the ground up and specializes in helping suppliers connect with operators in the convenience services industry – coffee service, vending, micro markets and pantry service specifically.
Subscribe to Automatic Merchandiser's new podcast, Vending & OCS Nation, hosted by Tullio and designed to make your business more profitable.
For more information on the services that Tullio offers to operators and suppliers, visit www.tulliob2b.com or contact him at [email protected].
