The Proactiv Solution Vending Machine, Coming to a Shopping Mall Near You
January 8th, 2009 Paul Lucas
As I was walking through a shopping mall recently, I came across a large vending machine selling Proactiv Solution, the well-known acne treatment made famous from years of infomercial advertising. Sometime later I saw the same type of Proactiv kiosk at another mall and took some pictures.
I don’t know how long these Proactiv vending machines have been around but this is the first time I can remember seeing a vending machine devoted to selling an infomercial product. Often an infomercial will claim that their product is “Not sold in stores” but then a few months later this same product will appear on the shelves of your local Kmart or Rite Aid with the big red “As Seen On TV” logo on the box. But by using a vending machine to sell its products, Proactiv Solution can still honestly claim that their product is “Not sold in stores”—it is sold from vending machines located right next to a bunch of stores.
The Proactiv Solution vending machine is a little different from those things you used to stick a quarter into to buy a jawbreaker. This machine requires a credit or debit card to make a purchase. The basic kit costs $49.95, though you can purchase individual items for as little as $18.75.
The kiosk I saw included a video screen that constantly played the Proactiv Solution infomercial. I wonder what other infomercial product will try this bold new approach of placing a vending machine in a shopping mall. Will we one day have to walk past video of a barking Billy Mays or a hyperactive Vince Offer as we try to make our way to Wetzel’s Pretzels? I earnestly pray I will never see such a kiosk selling Klee Irwin’s Dual Action Cleanse!
If you want to glimpse a Proactiv vending machine up close a personal, this handy Proactiv Solution Kiosk Locator lets you know where to find one near you! These Proactiv mall kiosks are the perfect solution whenever you fear breakouts after your food court indulgence at Cinnabon or Panda Express.
Yeah, there’s been one of these in our local mall for at least a year or so now, it gets a depressingly high amount of business and takes up an awkward position right in the middle of everything requiring everyone to divert around it.
Comment by Giddeon Fox — January 8th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I love the idea of a Klee Irwin vending machine selling Dual Action Cleanse. The vending machine would have to look like a giant turd.
Comment by Richard Simmons — January 8th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Not a giant turd, a giant colon:
http://breastcancer.3x.ro/colon2.jpg
Comment by Giddeon Fox — January 9th, 2009 at 4:09 am
Dual Action Cleanse is sold at GNC- it’s not a kiosk, but it’s at a mall store!
Comment by Janet — January 13th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Just came across your web site and love it!
First saw the Proactiv machine in Las Vegas back in 2006. Recently saw one in Glendale, CA as well.
Comment by Brian — January 14th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Remember seeing a poster of the movie, Alien vs. Predator, once:
“Alien vs. Predator: Whoever wins, you lose.”
My version would be:
Dual Action vs. Proactiv: Whoever wins, you lose
Comment by Znkp — January 21st, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Get ready to see other high-priced vending machines at the mall. During my web search for Proactiv Solution mall kiosks, I came across the firm that actually designs these “ZoomShops” (aka “automated retail stores”) - the company is called ZoomSystems. In addition to Proactiv Solution ZoomShops, there are also ZoomShops for Rosetta Stone language software, for iPods, and even for a line of cosmetics. Macy’s has its own in-store line of ZoomShops which they call the e-Spot (for self-service sales of digital cameras and MP3 players).
Comment by Lowie — May 3rd, 2009 at 4:09 am
I saw one of these at Chicago-O’Hare last month. Right next to the vending machines that sell iPods…
Comment by eyesopen — August 14th, 2009 at 7:39 am
$49.95……isn’t that cost just a little too high, isn’t there a place to find it cheaper? hmmm…
Comment by jess — January 5th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
they need one of these proactiv vending machines in new zealand!…btw, they should always change the proactiv sets with a fresh supply of proactiv every 3-4 months. because they are formulated and they expire every few months…
Comment by akira — February 17th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
I would like to know which will be my nearest Proactive vending machine in Arlington or Grand Prairie Texas area?
Do we have a vending machine at Parks Mall, Arlington Texas, please let me know, thank you
Comment by Pushpa — April 11th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I love the idea, I know longer have to call a call center, and be asked a lot of question, i get get what I want and not have to wait for shipin….
Comment by Tara — April 27th, 2010 at 6:49 am