TobaccoShop24 – Digital Sales Robotics for Tobacconists, Gas Stations & Retail (24/7)
Automated 24/7 availability close to the customer: self-service relieves staff, reduces costs, and increases customer satisfaction.
Individually integrated into your storefront, rear loading from inside, flexible assortment changes without rebuilds, and fast ROI; API-based data exchange with ERP/inventory and POS.
Benefits & Use Cases
24/7 direct sales & pickup—closer to the customer.
Staff relief and cost efficiency through self-service.
Tailored to assortment, capacity, and available space.
Heat-not-burn and alternative products require more flexible packs and processes (exchange, returns, maintenance, replacements).
Classic machines are tuned to uniform 20-pack formats; TB24 handles diverse shapes and sizes.
Not restricted by opening hours; ideal for HORECA and retail demand for automation plus analytics.
Company & Evolution
About 15 years ago, a group of innovators set out to bring traditional vending online. Today, we are one of the few European manufacturers (hardware & software) of large-scale retail robotics.
POS automation, digitalization, and self-service have reached mainstream retail. Our customers sell their own products 24/7 under their brand directly to consumers (B2C)—both at existing locations and alternative sites to increase presence and visibility.
Market & Growth
According to Polaris Market Research, the global cigarette vending machine market is expected to grow at a 5.2% CAGR.
Merchandise Handling & Systems
Continuously adjustable lift-shelf system.
Flexibly configurable, serially arranged chutes.
A hybrid of both systems—depending on the assortment.
Software & Data
All solutions are powered by software: a front end (web-shop UI on screen) and a portal. This generates analytics-grade data not available from conventional machines, while consumers benefit from a modern digital UX and its possibilities.
Installation Advantages
24/7 operation—no opening-hour limits.
Low vandalism risk (no direct access to goods/cash).
Small portal width required.
Cart function enables multi-item purchases.
Built-in or free-standing setups—even away from the main site.
Low operating costs and rapid return on investment (ROI).
Europe’s tobacco industry is facing a major challenge: a labor shortage at the point of sale.
This shortage especially affects traditional, often family-run specialist shops that see customer peaks in the morning and late afternoon, while midday hours are frequently quiet.
Lower footfall during midday hours.
The European tobacco industry is currently facing a significant labor shortage.
This shortage is driven by multiple factors, including an aging workforce, declining interest in the sector, and regulatory changes that make it harder to recruit qualified staff.
The impact is likely to be significant, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses such as traditional tobacco shops. These retailers rely on skilled staff to provide personalized advice and service. The shortage may reduce productivity, lower customer satisfaction, and ultimately lead to a decline in sales.
European Tobacco Trade Association (ETTA)
The Tobacco Industry and the Future of Work
Reports indicate that both tobacco producers and retailers are struggling to find qualified workers. For producers, this creates challenges in cultivation, harvesting, and processing. For retailers, it makes it harder to deliver high-quality service and maintain customer satisfaction.
Industry outlook on work and staffing.
To address these challenges, the industry is encouraged to increase the use of technology and automation — for example, vending machines and terminals with secure age verification. Smart vending for cigarettes and smoke-free products can reduce reliance on staff and improve shop efficiency. It also enables customers to complete purchases quickly and easily.
Automated sales at the POS.Reliable age checks at the terminal.
Additionally, smart vending and terminals with age verification can give traditional shops a modern touch and support a wide range of payment options. In the long run, automation can deliver a modern, convenient, and personalized shopping experience — and increase sales by making products accessible outside regular opening hours.
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