Merchandising apparatus and method wherein there is provided an upstanding hollow structure which is multi-sided and has grid walls defining a series of compartments. The structure has vertical columns surrounding it and guiding robot carriages carrying robots which can reach into the compartments, withdraw articles and place them onto a descent conveyor. The descent conveyor lowers the articles onto a transfer conveyor which transfers them to a packing station. The requirements of a customer are determined at an order station by examination of a visual display unit. The order station can be operated from within a vehicle and the customer need not leave his vehicle until the order has been packed at the packing station. Loading of the compartments of the structure is effected from a storage basement by an elevator moving through a floor opening and upwardly within the hollow structure.