AVTC Launches National Campaign to Raise Awareness of the Benefits of Automated Retailing to the American Economy

CORONA, Calif, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AVT, Inc. (Ticker: AVTC) (www.autoretail.com) announced today that they have launched a nationwide campaign to raise the awareness of the Automated Retailing industry and the many benefits it provides to the American economy.

Coinciding with the day of the first Presidential Debate, AVT's Automated Retailing awareness campaign aims to show Americans how this important and fast-growing industry can be a key player in the nation's economic growth.

What is Automated Retailing? According to Shannon Illingworth, Chairman and Founder of AVT (just named one of the fastest growing companies in the nation), Automated Retailing is essentially an automated store, featuring a self-service system that can fit almost anywhere, and can sell almost anything – from cell phones and video games to prescription medicines and healthcare items.

Automated stores allow businesses of all sizes to expand into new areas, provide additional points of distribution, and increase sales - without a large capital expense. It is the most direct and economical method to bring products to consumers.

Automated Retailing benefits individuals and entrepreneurs by providing them with a low cost way to start their own business. Unlike the past, where it could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to open a business or franchise, now almost anyone can become their own boss and open an automated store.

With the hardships and lost jobs in the recent economic downturn, many have found a new beginning by opening their own automated stores. These individuals all have different passions, but are drawn to the concept of automated retailing because it is the fastest and most efficient way to sell products of any type, with only a small investment and no overhead. These new entrepreneurs are creating a secure financial future by selling items as diverse as jewelry, perfume, sunglasses and swimsuits in high traffic areas such as airports, shopping malls, college campuses and hotel lobbies.

Many start-up companies have built their entire business model around automated retailing. From the Los Angeles based company that is automating medicine dispensing in hospitals, pharmacies and doctor's offices throughout the nation; to the very successful 4-year old business recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Most Promising Companies" by providing healthy foods and snacks to schools, factories and workplaces – automated retailing is providing opportunities, jobs, and financial freedom.

Automated retailing is also good for the consumer. By virtually eliminating theft and overhead, prices can be lowered on the products consumers want.  According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, theft of merchandise costs American businesses $50 billion per year. By contrast, automated retailing not only keeps products secure from theft, but also makes them more available – by typically being in locations that are not served by a brick and mortar store.

"If the last 20 years were about the growth of online shopping, the next 20 will be about the growth of Automated Stores," Illingworth stated. "It has the advantages of online shopping, but it is better – because consumers can immediately get what they want, they don't have to pay for shipping, and the prices can be the lowest possible due to the greatly reduced overhead."

AVT's Automated Retailing campaign will be seen in the Wall Street Journal and other publications, plus online ads on Google, Yahoo and other high-traffic sites.

For more information on AVT, please contact the Investor Relations Department at 877.424.3663 or visit AVT's website at www.autoretail.com.

About AVT:

AVT, Inc. is a low price, high quality leader offering technology solutions at 50% less than the best-known competitor. The company employs patented, state-of-the-art computer technology and highly advanced, patented software programs in their automated retailing systems, which can dispense a wide variety of items - from health products and cosmetics, to swimsuits, sunglasses and smart phones.

AVT, Inc. is a leading developer of automated and self-service retailing systems. AVT is able to work with any size company to design a custom automated retailing solution that drives traffic, increases sales, improves security, and lowers overhead. With an in-house design team, software developers, mechanical engineers and on-site manufacturing, AVT can take projects from concept to completion with speed, economy and ingenuity.

AVT's stock is traded through the OTC Bulletin Board Markets, Ticker Symbol: AVTC.OB.

For more information on AVT, custom vending, or the Automated Retailing Industry, visit www.autoretail.com.

SOURCE AVT, Inc.