Best Buy Launches Automated Kiosks in Airports

Minneapolis Best Buy Co. Inc. plans to add a dozen automated vending kiosks inside major airports across the country as part of a new pilot program called "Best Buy Express," company executives said.

The retailer is partnering with ZoomSystems, a San Francisco-based vending-machine company, for the project that will install the small automated stores at eight airports.

The machines will stock cell-phone and computer accessories, along with digital cameras, portable data-storage devices, headphones, travel adapters, electronic chargers and other gadgets.

The self-serve kiosks will be installed by Sept. 1 in airports in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and San Francisco.

“The launch of Best Buy Express is another way for Best Buy to provide consumers with the products they need from a brand they trust, even while they’re on the go,” said Chris Stidman, VP of strategic planning for Best Buy.