You simply cannot put a price on convenience, and the way people shop is changing rapidly. Consumers want fast access to the products they love, without sacrificing quality, variety, or ease. In this environment, automated retail is emerging as a powerful force, offering frictionless shopping experiences that blend technology with consumer choice.
One of the most innovative developments in this space is the rise of PICO markets — a smart, compact, and highly flexible self-service retail solution. Whether in office buildings, hospitals, universities, or other high-traffic spaces, PICO (Person in Charge Of) markets are helping businesses elevate the customer experience while reducing overhead and streamlining operations.
As demand for automation, personalization, and healthier lifestyles continues to grow, the PICO model stands out. Below, we’ll explore what makes these markets unique and the five major trends driving their rapid expansion. If your business wants to stay competitive or simply provide better service to employees and visitors, these trends are worth paying attention to.
What Are PICO Markets?
Person in Charge Of, or known shorthand as PICO markets, are self-service, unattended retail spaces that offer a curated selection of food, snacks, and beverages — usually installed in workplace breakrooms, hospitals, gyms, or other semi-public environments. Unlike traditional vending machines, they feature open-shelf layouts, smart technology, and cashless payment systems, enabling a more flexible and user-friendly experience.
PICO markets are often smaller than full-scale micro markets but offer many of the same benefits. They use cutting-edge technology to facilitate inventory tracking, user engagement, and real-time reporting, all while maintaining a compact footprint that suits a wide range of business sizes.
At Bernick’s, we’ve seen firsthand how PICO markets transform workplace culture and customer experience. As more businesses look for modern breakroom and retail solutions, the following trends are shaping the next generation of PICO technology.
Trend #1: Increased Integration of AI and Machine Learning
Smart technology is at the core of PICO markets, and it's only getting smarter.
By leveraging AI and machine learning, modern PICO systems can monitor inventory in real time, predict restocking needs, and even tailor product offerings to match buying habits. These systems provide powerful insights into what consumers want, when they want it, and how often.
For example, if your employees consistently purchase protein bars and sparkling water, the system can prioritize restocking those items. When paired with Bernick’s service and support, this level of insight leads to less waste, greater efficiency, and a consistently satisfying experience for users.
This isn't just good for operations — it’s great for customer loyalty.
Trend #2: Cashless and Contactless Payment Solutions
The demand for fast, hygienic transactions has exploded in recent years. PICO markets meet this demand head-on by supporting NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, mobile payments, and tap-to-pay credit cards.
This means no more fumbling for change or waiting in line. With a smartphone or a smartwatch, customers can grab what they want and go in seconds. For employers, this frictionless experience translates to greater productivity and satisfaction—employees spend less time waiting and more time enjoying their break.
In a post-pandemic world, the appeal of contactless shopping is here to stay. Investing in a cashless solution sends a clear message: your business values innovation, safety, and convenience.
Trend #3: Health-Conscious and Sustainable Product Offerings
Today’s consumers are more mindful than ever of what they put in their bodies—and where their products come from. Recent data from the USDA shows nearly 80 percent of U.S. adult consumers make food and beverage choices based on nutrition labels. A PICO market makes it easy to align your food and beverage offerings with these values, giving the official “Person in Charge of” their health-based choices hands-on access.
By featuring locally sourced, organic, and sustainably packaged items, businesses can cater to health-conscious employees and customers while reducing environmental impact. Imagine offering gluten-free snacks, kombucha, and plant-based protein bars right next to traditional treats, all in one convenient spot.
At Bernick’s, we help businesses tailor their selections to reflect employee wellness goals and corporate sustainability values. It’s a win-win: you support healthier lifestyles and position your brand as one that cares.
Trend #4: Customization and Personalization
One of the most powerful aspects of today’s PICO markets is their ability to learn and adapt. Through data analytics, these systems track purchasing patterns to optimize product mix for specific locations and demographics.
For example, a PICO market in a healthcare setting may lean more toward low-sugar, nutrient-dense snacks, while one in a corporate office may feature a broader mix of indulgent treats, coffee, and on-the-go lunches.
Customization also means businesses can rotate seasonal offerings, launch limited-time promotions, or integrate loyalty perks for repeat customers. This level of personalization enhances engagement and helps PICO markets feel tailored and premium, not generic or based on incorrect assumptions.
Trend #5: Enhanced User Experience with Smart Technology
Beyond product selection and payment, the user interface of a PICO market plays a huge role in satisfaction. Today’s systems are designed to be intuitive, attractive, and easy to use—often featuring touchscreens, dynamic menus, and AI-driven suggestions to guide purchases.
For example, a smart vending unit might recognize a repeat customer and suggest their favorite snack or a complementary item. These subtle touches add a sense of delight and familiarity, encouraging people to return again and again. Just like a familiar barista knows just how you like your latte, imagine a similar custom and personal experience from a non-human interaction. It’s these small details that make a significant impact on consumer confidence and loyalty.
At Bernick’s, we work with industry-leading equipment providers to ensure our PICO markets deliver top-tier usability and tech support. The result? A seamless experience that feels just as modern as shopping online, but with the instant gratification of real-time access.
Why Your Businesses Should Take Note
PICO markets represent more than just a trend — they’re a shift in how consumers and employees interact with food, beverages, and brands. From AI-powered customization to cashless convenience, sustainable products, and smart design, these markets bring together everything today’s users value most.
For businesses, they offer an opportunity to:
- Reduce labor and overhead
- Improve employee satisfaction
- Increase customer engagement
- Reflect values like wellness, innovation, and sustainability
At Bernick’s, we specialize in helping businesses implement and maintain PICO markets that work — from setup and supply to service and strategy. Whether you’re upgrading your employee breakroom or adding a self-service option to your customer space, PICO markets are a smart investment in a more modern, connected future. Let Bernick’s help you design a solution that fits your business, your people, and your goals.
