A miniature merchandising machine, styled after a gasoline pump and dishing out small gumballs or different candies, sometimes discovered close to the checkout counters of comfort shops or fuel stations. These gadgets usually function vivid colours, a simulated nozzle and hose, and generally a clicking mechanism paying homage to an actual fuel pump. They function a nostalgic impulse buy, notably for kids.
These novelty dispensers characterize a point-of-sale advertising technique, capitalizing on the impulse shopping for conduct of shoppers, particularly households. They provide a low-cost deal with, including a small however vital revenue margin for retailers. Their playful design evokes a way of childhood nostalgia, and their placement close to checkout counters maximizes visibility and accessibility. Traditionally, these things replicate a broader cultural fascination with cars and petroleum, integrating these parts into on a regular basis objects.