Whether unmanned stores, vending machines or hybrid solutions – automated smart stores have evolved from mere sounding balloons into genuine shopping alternatives. Even in Germany, where new technologies are initially viewed critically by many consumers, these 24/7 store concepts are experiencing considerable growth.
Further examples of smart stores on iXtenso:
Unmanned stores: One idea, many concepts
Two of these concepts recently opened on the campus of the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) in Heilbronn: the Schwarz Group's store.box and collect.box. Prof. Dr. Stephan Rüschen, lecturer for food retailing at DHBW Heilbronn, has accompanied this development together with several students. Together with colleagues, he has also taken a closer look at many concepts in Germany and Europe and consequently published the white paper "Smart Stores 24/7 - Status Quo and Outlook". Using many practical examples, Prof. Rüschen explains why some stores are so successful and in which retail sectors they could become established.
