In Japan vending machines sell everything from beer to women’s underwear to okonomiyaki. These urban warriors line the streets of every city and conveniently stock everything a busy person could want. Apparently the usually boring folks at Macy’s developed a yen to do something a little different. Yesterday the company announced a rather interesting marketing venture, where customers will be able to purchase a full line of audio and video products via e-Spot vending machines which will be set up in 393 of the store's locations.

Stocked with a full line of Apple iPods, as well as digital cameras and all sorts of accessories from brands such as Canon, Bang and Olufsen and Harman Kardon, Americans can now cringe as they watch European tourists stuff the machines with their dollar-busting euros and pounds, pull out succulent digital product and bowat the alter of Steve Jobs. (For the record, the machines use credit cards and operate much like an ATM.) The next best part is that items can be returned via the mail within 30 days, so you'll never have to go back to that dreaded place.

Press gush from one of Macy’s suits: “Personal electronics are a massive business in today’s texting, downloading, photo ‘tagging,’ YouTubing world,” said Chris Mizer, senior vice president of Macy’s Customer Operations. “And arguably more so than ever before, people’s tech taste is as much an extension of their personal style as their choice of shoe or apparel brands. As we continue to expand the Macy’s brand as the premiere shopping and lifestyle destination, it became increasingly obvious that our customer was looking to us for this caliber of electronic product. They wanted one-stop, no-fuss shopping, and we are responding.”

Wonder if these machines will stock the new iPhone? Now that would be the marketing coup of the year.