Comparative Analysis of Traditional Tea Stalls and Automated Tea/Coffee Vending Outlets on Park Street, Kolkata: A Survey-Based Assessment of Financial Viability and Consumer Preferences

This study compares two distinct models of tea retailing in Kolkata’s iconic Park Street area: traditional roadside tea stalls and modern tea/coffee vending machine outlets. Based on field surveys conducted with four vendors—two from each category—this paper analyses the financial and operational dynamics of each business type, including startup investment, operational costs, customer volume, and daily revenue. Despite limited cooperation from respondents, secondary data and literature on street entrepreneurship, informal economies, and vending technology adoption supplement the analysis. The findings reveal that while traditional tea stalls require minimal capital and remain culturally significant, vending machines offer greater profitability, operational efficiency, and scalability in high-footfall urban environments. Drawing from relevant economic theories and case studies, the paper argues that vending-based models are better aligned with evolving consumer preferences for hygiene, convenience, and digital payments. The study concludes that, with appropriate investment and strategic placement, vending machines represent a more financially lucrative and sustainable model for tea retailing in urban India.