6A the university daily kansan
news
tuesday, September 2, 2003
Vending machine targets University Students staff find showcase of products in machine at Wescoe Terrace
By Steve Schmidt
sschmidt@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
Those who frequent Wescoe Terrace may have noticed a shiny, new red-and-white vending machine from Target.
The company with the red and white bull's-eye trademark logo is looking for a "target" audience.
The machine, which was installed Aug. 12, sells a full array of products from sunblock to flashing-light yo-yos with the company's bull's-eye covering them. It's one of 10 such devices stationed at universities nationwide to test the college market.
"I have to believe that KU was selected because our students are trendy and brand conscious," said David Johnston, marketing coordinator for the KU Memorial Unions. "Putting us in that group is a testament to our student diversity and how representative we are of our current pop culture."
Brie Heath, Target spokeswoman, said the schools were picked to test different products in different regions. All universities are also in a five-mile radius of a target store.
Heath said the machine was different from traditional vending machines because of a built-in computer. It keeps count of which products sell and also sends inventory updates when the machine is running low on a particular product.
Johnston said both the union and Treat America, which takes on all non-Coca-Cola vending needs for the University, were in cooperation with Target. He added that the University gets some monetary benefits, which was different from other lease arrangements such as the setups of Milton's and Westside Deli and Market in the Kansas Union.
"This is a new thing, so it's hard to compare to anything," Johnston said.
"I have to believe that KU was selected because our students are trendy and brand conscious. Putting us in that group is a testament to our student diversity and how representative we are of current pop culture."
convenience shops such as blue books and Pepsi.
David Johnston Marketing coordinator for KU Memorial Unions
Instead of entering a numberletter code like old machines, consumers can scroll through product lists on a touch screen.
Products include disposable cameras, batteries, blank CDs, CD holders, Advil, Tylenol and gift cards. Company brand products with the bull's-eye logo are also available, including beverage coolers, playing cards, bandannas, clip-on watches and travel umbrellas.
Heath said the machine accepted most debit and credit cards, but purchased items cannot be returned to actual Target stores, such as the location at 3201 Iowa St.
Chris Lee, Derby junior, said he thought some of the items being sold were a bit strange, such as a CD holder.
such as the Kansas Union lobby or the bookstore. Taylor said she bumped into the machine walking to a nearby elevator and wouldn't have noticed it otherwise.
Krsya Taylor, Iola sophomore,
said the vending machine should
have been put in better location
Other participating colleges are the University of Missouri, University of Illinois, University of Minnesota, Arizona State University, Central Connecticut State University, Rice University, University of Notre Dame, George Washington University and Harvey Mudd College.
Heath said her company had no specific timeline for the future, but the idea was to expand onto other college campuses.
"We're just seeing what students are looking for," Heath said. "We want to get school started, see how these work, see what people buy and go from there. We're in a learning phase."
—Edited by Cate Batchelder
WAGE:
Local group triumphs
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
more.
Highberger said the alliance looked at other cities that have had success with living wage ordinances.
"Businesses that originally opposed a living wage ordinance changed their opinion after they found that the ordinance decreased turnover and increased productivity." Highberger said.
Aaron Paden, organizer of University of Kansas students who support the living wage ordinance, said the goal was not to drive businesses away from the city.
"We want businesses to feel that Lawrence is friendly and make sure that everyone is getting a good deal." Paden said.
Stephanie Harsin, head of the Living Wage Alliance steering committee, said the alliance had come a long way.
"We are very pleased that the city commissioners have pledged their support," Harsin said.
Edited by Andy Marso
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