North American consumers continue to embrace self-service technology, as transactions at self-service kiosks will surpass $775 billion in 2009. This will grow to over $1.6 trillion by 2013, according to a new research study conducted by the IHL Group.

"We expect continued double-digit growth in the revenue generated by self-service transactions, particularly as retailers, restaurants, and transportation authorities offer more devices in more locations," said Lee Holman, Lead Retail Analyst of the IHL Group, an analyst firm and consultancy that serves retailers and retail technology vendors.

"Most consumers have adapted to self-service as a way of life," Holman added. "The current recession is actually increasing the acceptance of the technologies, as they are a hedge against increasing labor expenses during a tough economic climate. They allow companies to schedule their workforce for high-volume periods without sacrificing service during non-peak times."

In the market study, 2009 North American Self-Service Kiosks, IHL examines the increasing use of six types of self-service kiosks where payment is accepted: self-checkout systems, ticketing kiosks, check-in kiosks, food ordering, postal and other retail kiosks.

The study is available immediately at www.ihlservices.com or http://www.tinyurl.com/IHLkiosk.

The report covers self-service kiosks in the United States and Canada, detailing the number and type of kiosks shipped historically. It also provides forecasts for each type of kiosk, both in terms of units shipped and revenue transacted. In addition, the report highlights best practices and best-in-class machines for each class of kiosk.

About IHL Group
IHL Group is a global research and advisory firm headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., that provides market analysis and business consulting services for retailers and information technology companies that focus on the retail industry. For more information, see www.ihlservices.com, call 615-591-2955 or e-mail ihl@ihlservices.com.

For press interviews, contact:

Jeff Ketner
Ketner Group Inc.
jeff@ketnergroup.com
(512) 794-8876