JR East has acquired all shares of Decorum Vending, a company operating vending machines in UK stations, through its local subsidiary JRE Business Development UK.
The company plans to expand its vending machine business from the current 50 units to 1,000 units at transportation hubs mainly around UK stations. Furthermore, it aims to deploy smart retail business utilizing AI for data analysis, smart payment methods, and technology for automation of operations. Expansion into other European countries is also anticipated.
Since 2019, JR East has been developing the digital vending machine business in the UK and established a local subsidiary in June after confirming the business’s potential.
Decorum Vending has secured the rights to operate vending machines from approximately 90% of the UK’s railway operating companies. It operates a management system with remote inventory management, utilizes AI for constructing restocking routes for operators, and offers environmentally friendly vending services. The company also develops businesses such as vending machine-based advertising and promotional activities.
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