Abstract: An automated vending system for retail locations can include: an exterior housing that houses a plurality of differently shaped items for purchase and return; a data processor that is disposed in the exterior housing and that is coupled to an external server having a database; a display device on a face of the exterior housing; a memory storing computer-executable instructions that cause the automated vending system to execute vending and returning of an item; a payment validation device that is configured to accept payment information; a storage area that holds a plurality of items; an item compartment that is disposed within the exterior housing and that is capable of opening to the user; an item dispenser that dispenses an item from the storage area to the item compartment; and a detector that is positioned to detect foreign activity within the item compartment.