VenHub and Follett to Bring Autonomous Retail Stores to College Campuses

VenHub Global and Follett Higher Education have announced a strategic partnership to deploy VenHub's autonomous smart stores at colleges and universities across the United States, expanding unattended retail deeper into campus environments. Follett provides retail and educational services to more than 1,000 colleges and universities across North America, and the agreement establishes a framework for deploying VenHub's automated Smart Stores at institutions it serves. The network would give students, faculty and visitors around-the-clock access to merchandise and everyday essentials, with potential locations including residence halls, student centers, athletic facilities, arenas, transit areas and satellite campuses. The stores are expected to carry convenience products alongside officially licensed college apparel, accessories, gifts and event merchandise, and each location could incorporate the institution's colors, logos and branding. VenHub founder and CEO Shahan Ohanessian said the partnership would help the company expand its autonomous retail presence while bringing Follett merchandise closer to where students and visitors spend their time. Emmanuel Kolady, CEO of Follett Higher Education, said the partnership offers a chance to make campus retail more accessible to students, employees, alumni and visitors. The companies will begin with U.S. campuses with potential international expansion, and individual deployments will be tailored with participating institutions. VenHub already operates autonomous retail locations at transportation hubs including Los Angeles International Airport and Union Station. Source: Vending Times — https://www.vendingtimes.com/news/venhub-follett-partner-to-bring-autonomous-retail-stores-to-college-campuses/