Vending machines have become so thoroughly integrated into modern culture that people do not notice them anymore unless they are in a need of a caffeine boost or a snack on the go.
But a sock vending machine is guaranteed to catch the passerby’s eye, because who would have thought of buying socks out of a vending machine?
But the possibility arose with Ukraine’s first-ever brightly colored Sammy Icon sock vending machine appeared in the Kyiv city center.
“I think buying anything out of a vending machine is interesting,” Sammy Icon sock company co-founder Philipp Lytvynov says to the Kyiv Post, “We decided to create something that people will be able to have a laugh about and attract attention to our brand at the same time.”
The first and so far only sock vending machine in Ukraine was set up on Dec. 15 in Globus shopping center in Kyiv’s busiest street Khreshchatyk.
Lytvynov says in terms of sales the project has not been mind-bogglingly successful yet, but it definitely managed to attract plenty of attention.
“Just before the New Year’s Eve (Ukrainians tend to give each other presents on the night) there was an excellent demand. We even saw people buying 10 pairs of socks at a time,” Lytvynov says.
A man buys socks out of the Sammy Icon vending machine. (Facebook / Sammy Icon)
Sammy Icon vending machine contains 120 sets of 2-packs (240 pairs of socks in total.) One 2-pack costs Hr 100, but the price will rise.
“It’s a promotional price, so that people get used to this idea and aspect.”
Lytvynov says he never heard of any other sock vending machines in the world (but there might be some, he adds), but he did get the idea from the West, where vending machines selling unusual things are more popular. He says he even once encountered a Lego constructor vending machine.
“There are a few advantages to the vending machines over stores,” Lytvynov says, “They are cheaper in terms of space rental and service. Also because of the creativity of the idea, they are an easier way of getting heard and spoken about.”
The brand is also looking at setting up more sock vending machines in the near future.
“Of course we would like to have a store dedicated just to our brand at some point, but selling and advertising via vending machines is still very interesting to us.”
“New bright sock vending machines might pop up very soon and not just in Kyiv.”
