If you think self-checkout counters are new, you need to see this vending machine supermarket from 1948. Founded by Clarence Saunders (who also founded Piggly Wiggly), Keedoozle was supposed to be the self-serving store of the future. Unfortunately, the concept created by Saunders was far too complicated to work. Selecting an item required shoppers to have keys. Even if consumers did figure out the system, the technology of the time could not keep up. It didn’t work out for Saunders, though the idea is still an interesting one and it’s cool to see it in action. Take a look!
Keedoozle – Memphis, Tennessee
Customers shopping.
One customer makes their selection with their key.
One shopper’s selection dropping onto the conveyor belt.
Stock boys at work.
A bagger getting ready to take products off of the conveyor belt and bring them to the front of the store.
A man watches cans make their way out of storage.
It’s crazy to think how “high tech” this must have seemed.
Customers waiting for their bags.
This customer looks like they went through a lot during their shopping experience.
(via messnessychic)
This was a good idea in theory, but you can see how it didn’t work out. Nice try, Saunders, but the world just wasn’t ready yet for this type of supermarket.
