Consumers today want more than just quick snacks—they want smarter, healthier choices that support wellness goals and taste great. In this episode of Retail on the Go, we’re joined by the team from Olipop to talk about how better-for-you beverages and snacks are reshaping vending and micro market strategies.

Cathy Horgan (VP, Food Service & On Premise) and Cassie Hardick (National Account Manager) share what they’re seeing in the field—from generational buying trends and the shift away from sugary sodas to the rising demand for gut-health-friendly, functional products. They also dig into how operators can start small, test smarter, and keep product mixes fresh with seasonal offerings and sleek new formats.

Whether you’re ready to try healthier SKUs or just starting to explore your options, this episode is packed with insights for modern self-service operators. 

🔗 Learn more about Olipop: https://www.drinkolipop.com

📩 Contact the Olipop team: [email protected]

In this episode of Retail On The Go, host Russ Russell and producer Anders Peterson talk with Kyle, founder of All Else Fit Club in Methuen, Massachusetts — a high-tech, 24/7 gym redefining member experience.

Kyle shares:

·       Why he chose to launch with a Cantaloupe Smart Store on day one

·       How self-service technology supports low-staff, round-the-clock operations

·       The impact of a seamless, grab-and-go retail setup on member satisfaction and revenue

·       His advice for other fitness operators thinking about automated retail

If you're a gym owner, operator, or entrepreneur thinking about bringing smart vending or unattended retail into your space — this episode’s for you.

📍 Learn more about All Else Fit Club: allelsefitclub.com 📦 Discover the Smart Store by Cantaloupe: cantaloupe.com/smartstore

In this episode of Retail on the Go, we’re diving into the data that’s shaping the future of self-service retail. Join host Russ and producer Anders as they unpack the key insights from Cantaloupe’s newly released 2025 Micropayment Trends Report with special guests Elyssa Steiner (Chief Marketing Officer) and Sonya Lehner (Director of Marketing, Brand & Communications).

Topics we cover: —Why cashless is the new baseline in retail —Surpassing $1B in micro market sales in 2024 —The rise of Smart Stores and $4.25 average ticket sizes —How inflation is shifting consumer habits —Best practices for operators to boost revenue

📥 Download the full Micropayment Trends Report at https://bitly.cantaloupe.com/trendsreport2025

 💬 Drop us a comment with your thoughts or questions, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into the future of retail and payment technology!

In this episode of Retail on the GO, we break down Cantaloupe’s lineup of self-service kiosks—Go Micro, Go MiniX, Go Plus100, and Go Max—and help you figure out which one fits your space, traffic, and business goals.

Whether you’re outfitting a break room, gym, apartment complex, or corporate office, matching the right kiosk to the right location can make all the difference in performance and ROI. We cover:

— A side-by-side comparison of Cantaloupe's kiosk options  — Location-specific recommendations for each model — Real-world examples of successful deployments — Tips for maximizing convenience and ticket size in self-service retail

👉 Learn more about Cantaloupe’s kiosks: https://bitly.cantaloupe.com/4djpS4f 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on the future of self-service retail!

In this episode of Retail on the GO, we’re joined by Shaun Dayton from Canteen of Northern California to explore how his team brought their Smart Stores to life—and what it means for the future of unattended retail.

We dig into the why, how, and what’s next of the Smart Store model, including: — What made Canteen NorCal take the leap into Smart Stores — The challenges they faced and how they overcame them — The impact on operations, efficiency, and customer experience — Tips for other operators looking to future-proof their business

If you're a vending or micro market operator exploring your next move, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay ahead of the curve.

🎧 Tune in now and hear how smart retail is becoming the new standard.

🍩 Fresh Donuts in a Vending Machine? The Donut Trap Story | Retail on the GO Podcast

In this episode of Retail on the GO, we chat with Bradley from The Donut Trap, a St. Paul-based business turning heads with their fresh, handmade donuts—delivered through a vending machine.

We dive into: — How The Donut Trap got started — The challenges of keeping fresh inventory in an unattended format — Lessons learned in scaling a unique food concept — Tips for anyone looking to blend local goods with self-service tech

This episode is packed with insights for vending operators, food entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about what it takes to keep fresh food fresh in automated retail. 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on innovation in retail and vending!

📌 Follow The Donut Trap: https://www.instagram.com/thedonuttrap/?hl=en

📌 More from Retail on the GO: https://retailonthego.libsyn.com/ 

Welcome back to Retail on the GO! In this episode, we sit down with Ethan, the founder of Pod Plug, to explore how his company is transforming the vending industry with innovative technology.

Ethan shares his journey of launching Pod Plug, the challenges of bringing a new solution to market, and how automation is shaping the future of vending. Whether you're an operator looking to streamline your business or just fascinated by the evolution of retail tech, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we cover: -The inspiration behind Pod Plug and how it started -Overcoming challenges in vending technology and operations -How automation and smart solutions are improving efficiency -Advice for vending operators looking to stay ahead of the curve

Listen now and subscribe for more insights on the future of vending and retail!

Filmed in-person at Cantaloupe University in Las Vegas, our hosts are joined by Aldo Tejada Donadio of Feel Good Markets — Panama's only micro market operator. We chat about his micro market journey, how the industry is evolving, and what the future holds. 

Starting a new micro market can pose a lot of challenges for operators. More inventory, more space, more everything! Our hosts talk about warehouse management for vending and micro markets, and how software can simplify your operation. 

Seen a lot of luxury apartment complexes sprouting up in your area? Their closed loop environments are perfect for amenities — like micro markets!