Study: Self-service kiosk transactions expected to exceed $775B in ‘09

Frankin, Tenn. As North American consumers continue to embrace self-service technology, transactions at self-service kiosks are expected to surpass $775 billion in 2009 and grow to more than $1.6 trillion by 2013, according to a new research study conducted by the IHL Group.

"We expect continued double-digit growth in the revenue generated by self-service transactions, particularly as retailers, restaurants and transportation authorities offer more devices in more locations," said Lee Holman, lead retail analyst of the IHL Group, an analyst firm and consultancy that serves retailers and retail technology vendors.

In the study, 2009 North American Self-Service Kiosks, IHL examined the increasing use of six types of self-service kiosks where payment is accepted: self-checkout systems, ticketing kiosks, check-in kiosks, food ordering, postal and other retail kiosks.

"Most consumers have adapted to self-service as a way of life," Holman added. "The current recession is actually increasing the acceptance of the technologies, as they are a hedge against increasing labor expenses during a tough economic climate. They allow companies to schedule their work force for high-volume periods without sacrificing service during non-peak times."