Abstract: A vending machine for vending articles such as cassettes or boxes is disclosed which has a touch screen (18) for receiving user input commands, a key pad (26) and credit card or coin payment devices (22, 24). A control system (FIGS. 11 to 13 and 23) controls operation of the machine. A vending unit (14) has a carriage (70) mounted for movement below a storage compartment (46) which is divided into a plurality of sections (74). The compartment (46) stores cassettes or boxes which can be stacked one above the other and released into the carriage (70) so that the carriage (70) can move to dispense the article through an outlet (58). A latch (80) controls movements of the cassettes or boxes (75) into the carriage (70). The latch (80) is pivotally mounted and movable from a position where abutment (196) engages a cassette or box (75) or releases the cassette or box.