Adapting to the New Normal: Challenges of Finding Vending Machine Locations Post-Covid

Introduction

The Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped many aspects of our daily lives, and one often overlooked change is the transformation of the vending machine industry. Prior to the pandemic, office buildings were prime real estate for vending machines, providing a steady stream of customers seeking quick snacks and drinks during their workday. However, with the rise of remote work and a significant decrease in foot traffic within office spaces, the vending machine industry faced a sudden and substantial decline in income. As a result, the challenge now is to find new locations for vending machines that can provide a reliable source of revenue. One promising avenue is to target neighborhoods without easy access to convenience stores, a need that became more pronounced during the pandemic. In this study, we delve into the challenges and opportunities of finding suitable places for vending machines, focusing on mobile home parks in Pennsylvania as a potential target market.

The Changing Landscape of Vending Machines

The vending machine industry has traditionally thrived in densely populated areas like office buildings, schools, and shopping centers. These locations offered a high volume of potential customers looking for quick and convenient snacks and beverages. However, the Covid-19 pandemic led to a significant shift in work patterns, with more employees working remotely from home. This transition resulted in a sharp decline in vending machine sales in office spaces and other commercial areas, prompting vending operators to seek new markets.

Identifying New Opportunities

One promising strategy for finding new locations for vending machines is to target areas that lack easy access to convenience stores. The convenience store industry has remained resilient throughout the pandemic, as people still need quick access to essential items. Therefore, neighborhoods without nearby convenience stores represent an untapped market for vending machines.

In Pennsylvania, where we conducted our study, we observed that there are just over 1,000 mobile home parks scattered across the state. These communities often house residents who may not have convenient access to stores due to their remote locations. On the other hand, Pennsylvania boasts approximately 2,400 convenience stores, with the three largest brands being Wawa, Sheetz, and 7-Eleven.

Methodology

To narrow down potential locations for vending machines, we conducted a detailed analysis. First, we plotted the locations of mobile home parks and convenience stores on a map. This visualization allowed us to gain a better understanding of the distribution of these establishments throughout the state.

Next, we calculated the distance between each mobile home park and its closest convenience store. This step was crucial in determining which mobile home parks were in dire need of accessible food and beverage options. Specifically, we focused on mobile home parks that were more than 5 miles away from the nearest convenience store.

Results and Recommendations

Our analysis revealed a list of mobile home parks in Pennsylvania that met our criteria for suitable vending machine locations. These communities, situated more than 5 miles from the nearest convenience store, represent an excellent opportunity for vending operators to fill a gap in access to quick and convenient snacks and beverages.

Conclusion

The vending machine industry has faced significant challenges in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, as traditional locations like office buildings have seen a decline in foot traffic. However, by identifying and targeting neighborhoods without easy access to convenience stores, vending operators can adapt to the changing landscape and find new opportunities for growth.

In Pennsylvania, our study has highlighted numerous mobile home parks that fit the bill as ideal vending machine locations. These communities, lacking nearby convenience stores, present a promising market for vending machine operators to explore. As the world continues to adapt to the new normal, creative solutions like this can help businesses thrive in changing times.

List Of Convenience Stores Included In The Study