14 DAY TRIAL // An enormous vending machine, selling everything from eggs, milk, bread to shampoo and other basic products, has been built in the village of Clifton in Derbyshire after its only store closed 13 years ago.
After the local shop owners retired, no one could be found to run the small business, so it has been closed. Now, the general store of the village has been replaced by a huge vending machine that offers residents everything they need.
The machine, which sells 80 products including cereal, bread, shower gel, toothpaste, soup, tea, coffee and even dog food, has been installed in the car park of Clifton's local pub the Cock Inn. It has proved highly popular among villagers, as they can buy goods 24 hours a day.
Mirror informs that the huge automat has been created by electrical engineer Peter Fox, who says that the design was different to a standard vending machine.
“Instead of having a machine which is a certain design and therefore things have to fit in it... we've designed the machine around the product,” he said.
He also mentions that it accepts cards and cash, is equipped with incorporated security cameras, and is able to monitor stock levels.
“They (local people) think it's great fun and that the prices are reasonable. Everyone has been very supportive,” Mr. Fox added.
The 50-year-old engineer has submitted a patent application for his invention, and says he built the machine not as a business, but as a way of helping rural communities.