Xiaomi to sell phones, mobile accessories via vending machines in India

People can soon buy Xiaomi smartphones and accessories through vending machines, with the Chinese handset maker set to install its own machines in major Indian cities.

The latest move comes as the company works on ways to retain its dominant position in the hyper-competitive smartphone market in India.

Called as 'Mi Express Kiosk', these vending machines will allow consumers to make purchases and pay for the transaction through credit or debit cards, cash and UPI.

"These kiosks are specifically built for smartphone sales and mobile accessories of similar physical dimensions can also be added in it. The kiosk has a capacity of nearly 200 smartphones," Xiaomi India said in an e-mailed response to PTI.

The company said this innovative model offers "the efficiency of e-commerce business making it a cost-effective approach and is scalable".

"All technology equipping Mi Express Kiosks has been researched and developed in India, further extending the brand's commitment to India," it ...