How Betty’s Farm in Derbyshire is pioneering automated vending machine shopping
A few miles outside Derby is a farm shop far removed from the rustic-style stores usually associated with the channel.
In place of wooden fixtures and wicker baskets, the fully automated shop at Betty’s Farm in Willington boasts gleaming white vending machines, touchscreens and chrome railings.
Located in Willington, Derbyshire, Betty’s Farm is named after the mother of founder John Bowler
When shoppers enter the store, they select items on the touchscreen. After using card or contactless payment, they walk down the line of vending machines as individual windows open on a timer to allow the goods to be collected.
It seems impersonal, but Betty’s co-owner Greg Marsh believes the system gives staff more time to interact with customers, offering the chance to speak to people about where and how the food is produced.
