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After a rough year and a half due to the coronavirus pandemic, a familiar line of vending machines is back in the Rose City, KGW reports. Thirteen Magic Box vending machines are now available at local Portland businesses, selling art, funny gifts, and other novelty items.
Every small package and "mystery bag" inside the machine contains something unique, according to Magic Pox PDX owner Cari Carter. Reporters say you can find "earrings that look like cassette tapes and kitchen knives to vintage magazines, old books, crystal growing kits, and kitty cat underpants." Nothing you get is ever the same.
"I sell fun," Carter said. "I like tchotchkes -- simple weird things that just make me smile and laugh." She also said the items can be good conversation starters among friends and family.
Unfortunately, Carter's unique business stopped when bars and restaurants were closed during pandemic shutdowns. Now that businesses are reopened, people are flocking back to get whimsical surprises.
Carter has also expanded her business to Astoria and Las Vegas, KGW added.
In Portland, you can find these fun vending machines primarily at restaurants and bars. They take cash and card. For all Oregon and Nevada locations, click here.