Automated convenience store

[12][13] In 1986, after entrepreneur Mike Rivalto's wife came home irritated and frustrated due to the long checkout line in the convenience store, Rivalto conceived the SmartMart, an automated convenience store.

After seven years of research and development, the concept was ready to become a reality when technology caught up to the idea in the mid-1990s.

At SmartMart, a consumer can drive in or walk up to a computer touch screen and select from up to 1,800 products available.

The machine accepts payments by cash, credit or debit card and delivers purchased items through a drawer.

Development of the SmartMart including gas pumps costs approximately $100,000 more than a 3,000 square foot convenience store, but the labor savings are substantial as a single control center worker can operate the entire business.