Retail 4.0: Smart Vending Pilot Transforms DIY Shopping with Brico io, Henk 2026

Innovation, security, and a fresh way to connect with customers are at the heart of a new strategic partnership between Brico io, a leading DIY retailer, Henkel, the global adhesives and sealants giant, and VADO, a specialist in Smart Vending and Retail Tech solutions. The pilot project, launched at the Brico io store in Crema, Italy, introduces a branded Loctite Super Attak Smart Vending Machine, designed to tackle shoplifting of high-value, small-sized products while offering a richer, digital shopping experience.

Why Smart Vending? Solving Retail Challenges

The initiative directly addresses a major pain point for retailers: shrinkage (theft) of small, high-unit-value items like fast-drying glues and sealants. These products often suffer significant losses, cutting into margins. Traditional shelf displays also limit how much information a customer can get. This pilot goes beyond a simple vending machine—it’s an interactive marketing totem. Through a touchscreen, shoppers can securely purchase items while accessing demo videos, technical application tutorials, and the full product range.

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How It Works: A Seamless Blend of Physical & Digital

The system is fully integrated into Brico io's sales ecosystem. Customers interact with the machine by scanning their loyalty card or a QR code. This unlocks the desired product, and the purchase is completed at the checkout or through enabled payment systems. The flow is simple, smooth, and secure, merging the best of physical retail with digital convenience.

Paolo Micolucci, CEO of Brico io, comments: "Our goal is to test how customers respond to this new sales paradigm, which blends physical and digital. We chose to start this pilot in Crema with a triple objective: effectively protect one of the product lines most subject to theft in our stores, guarantee an enhanced shopping experience, and offer technical content that adds real value for the DIY enthusiast."

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Key Benefits of the Smart Vending Pilot

• Reduced Theft: Securely stores high-theft items like adhesives and sealants.
• Enhanced Experience: Provides access to tutorials and product details via touchscreen.
• Seamless Integration: Works with existing loyalty cards and checkout systems.
• Data Insights: Offers valuable data on customer preferences and buying behavior.

Transforming the DIY Shopping Experience

This pilot represents a major step forward for the DIY retail sector. By protecting high-value items and offering interactive content, Brico io, Henkel, and VADO are redefining how customers discover and purchase products. The success of this test could pave the way for broader adoption of smart vending technology across the industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Smart Vending Machine?

It's an interactive kiosk that combines secure product dispensing with digital content. Customers can watch videos, read tutorials, and purchase items through an integrated touchscreen system.

How does it prevent theft?

High-value, small items like glues are locked inside the machine. They are only released after a customer scans their loyalty card or QR code and completes the purchase at the checkout, eliminating easy grab-and-go theft.

Can I still buy products normally?

Yes, this is a pilot for specific high-theft items. Most products remain on traditional shelves. The smart vending machine is an additional option for select product lines.

Where is this pilot running?

The pilot is currently active at the Brico io store in Crema, Italy. If successful, it may expand to other locations.

What brands are involved?

The machine features Loctite Super Attak (a Henkel brand), and the technology is provided by VADO. The pilot is hosted by Brico io.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Retail

This project is a clear example of Retail 4.0 in action. By leveraging smart technology, retailers can protect their inventory, engage customers with valuable content, and streamline the purchasing process. As the line between online and offline shopping continues to blur, innovations like this smart vending machine will become increasingly common.

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