First vending machine for religious items in Jaen

A PUBLIC parking lot in Jaen has become the unlikely site of the very first vending machine to sell religious artefacts in Spain.

The novel idea was the brainchild of entrepreneur Rafael Calzado who spotted a gap in the vending machine market.

He says he got the idea after taking over his family’s haberdashery business in Andújar (Jaén). Since 1965 the El Danubio haberdashery has been producing images and artefacts of the Virgin de la Cabeza, and he saw a vending machine as the perfect opportunity to create a 24 hour point of sale.

From the vending machine you can purchase images of saints’ bracelets with the medal of the Virgin of the Head or even a flash drive with photos of the Virgin of the Head. Items start from €3 to €21.50 and you can also buy gourmet products such as different extra virgin olive oils, jams and caviar. Business has been steady for the vending machine however Rafael remains optimistic.

“So far business is good, it will be necessary however to wait at least one year to see how it works and if expectations are really met. What is clear is that for now the word of mouth is working and the machine has already become a unique attraction for parking.” To take a look, the machine is located in the public parking area next to the City Council building.

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