Photo-Me for example has announced the UK launch of MyPocketBook, the first self-service kiosk able to produce stylish pocket-size photo-albums in minutes. To create an album, customers simply save their photos onto a memory card or USB key and upload them to the MyPocketBook kiosk. They then select the images that they want to appear in the album, choose a photo for the front cover and then enter a title for the album, which will appear on the Pocketbook’s cover and spine. Approximately eight minutes later, the new Pocketbook is finished and ready to be shared!

A Pocketbook can contain up to 30 pages, with around 90 photos and has a 300 dpi print resolution. Ideal for just about every occasion, they provide fun-filled albums documenting weddings, birthdays, festive family get-togethers and even a great night out!

Francois De Freitas, Head of Marketing at Photo-Me says: “We are very proud to announce the launch of My PocketBook, the new revolutionary kiosk from Photo-Me’s range of instant photobook solutions. The concept has already been warmly welcomed by the key-players in the photographic industry. The product is set to be the first kiosk in the world to produce instant pocket-size photo-albums in just a few minutes! Not only have we created an innovative finished product, we have designed an elegant and original kiosk, with stylish new branding that will attract existing photobook consumers and a brand new target audience. Once you create a pocketbook, you will become addicted to it!”

The MyPocketBook kiosk will initially be launched in and around the Birmingham region.

Meanwhile, Jolly Roger, the UK’s number one children’s ride manufacturer and subsidiary of Photo-Me International, has created the exciting IX Simulator ride to add to its impressive collection of amusement machines.

The simulator enables customers to choose from four unique rides to enjoy inside the machine. Once the ride is in motion the animated graphics create a thrilling experience that customers will want to repeat again and again.

Thanks to the ergonomic design, this simulator will suit most retail environments and will provide a great source of entertainment.

Francois De Freitas, Marketing Manager at Photo-Me UK added: “The IX Simulator will be a revolutionary product in the kiddie ride market and will not only appeal to the younger generation but to all our site-owners.”

Continuing to lead the way in Leisure, Photo-Me International and FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), the licensor for hit entertainment programme The X Factor, have joined forces to develop an exciting new concept: the first X Factor karaoke vending machine.

Customers can choose from 100s of songs to perform live inside The X Factor machine, alone or with friends. The video is then burnt onto a CD that the performer can take home and enjoy time and again.

Additionally, customers are encouraged to upload their performance to the Photo-Me website (www.photo-me.co.uk) for a chance to win a variety of prizes. All videos uploaded to the website are available to view on The X Factor competition page.

Another great Leisure Vending Solution is Fast Flicks - a company that owns and operates DVD vending machines for the rental and sale of DVDs. Said to be the only machine of this type to be made in England, Fast Flicks is currently installing a pilot of 10 machines in the Midlands and the North East, with further expansion planned in 2011.

Time for a break?

With most shoppers stopping for a coffee break at least once during a shopping trip, we caught up with Neil Stephens, Managing Director at Nestlé Professional to find out what they ordered! He said: “The UK has become a nation of coffee-lovers and, as the market ‘matures’ it opens up a range of new and exciting trends for operators. The global trends of the moment are premiumisation, convenience and affordable quality. Take the NESCAFÉ vending solution, which offers a familiar, trusted brand meaning consumers know they will get a consistently good quality coffee.

“By offering branded solutions there is a huge opportunity for leisure vending operators to increase sales and win over customers by charging a premium for a better quality beverage that consumers enjoy more.

“The NESCAFÉ GOLD BLEND vending machine offers a smoother, richer coffee flavour in a soluble format while the NESCAFÉ ACCOLADE vending machine serves café style frothy cappuccino, milky latte and smooth mocha in high quality paper cups. Drinks come in large 9oz servings allowing for premium pricing. All NESCAFÉ vending machines are easy to fill, clean and maintain.”

Leading market research company, Mintel has found that the British spent a staggering £57 per head of population on chocolate in 2008 - second only Switzerland. But the UK is developing a healthier appetite when it comes to chocolate confectionery, says the Group. Reduced sugar chocolate launches rose from just six in 2007 to 26 in 2008, gluten free chocolate launches from 13 in 2007 to 40 in 2008 and additive free chocolate from 22 in 2007 to 46 in 2008. The healthier eating message is, it would seem, finally starting to filter through to the masses and leisure facilities are perfectly placed to help lead the way.

From drinks and snacks, to DVDs, rides and singing competitions the opportunities for leisure are growing every day thanks to new advances in vending, it’s just a case of assessing the needs and aspirations of your target market and meeting them with fun and reliable options.