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

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.