Zurich receives the first unmanned SPAR Express shop from SPAR Switzerland.
At Zurich’s Sihlqui bus terminal, SPAR Switzerland and AVIA launched the first 24/7 SPAR Express forecourt shop without onsite staff on February 20, 2023. Customers can now fill up on groceries, delectable snacks, and coffee in addition to refuelling 24/7.
product proposal
The store at Exhibitionsstrasse 10 in Zurich was transformed into the first SPAR Express forecourt store operating without onsite staff in less than three weeks. About 1,000 items, including bread and bakery goods, fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat, drinks, basic food items, hygiene products, and vehicle accessories, are available in the 50m2 store.
intelligent unattended purchasing
Innovative FAST aXs technology makes it simple for customers to enter the new 24/7 SPAR Express by simply scanning a QR code with their smartphone at the entryway and agreeing to the terms and conditions. Customers can use their smartphones to access the door without having to register or download an app. Along with being scanned by a smartphone, the goods are paid for using Twint, a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
There are sensors and webcams in the shop. Information is instantly available online, and additional support is given if customers experience any difficulties while shopping. An software that tracks sales in the SPAR Express makes sure that the shop is constantly restocked with fresh food. Customers who purchase gasoline at the AVIA petrol station may pay with cash, a fuel card, a debit card, or a credit card.
In the initial days after opening, students were on hand in-store to assist customers who were not acquainted with QR code scanning.
launch of new 24-hour stores
Additional unattended 24/7 SPAR Express forecourt shops will be opened by AVIA and SPAR Switzerland.
The development strategy of SPAR Switzerland also includes the installation of unattended “SPAR Go24” retail units outside of urban centres, such as in neighbourhoods without nearby shopping facilities. Units will initially be tried at SPAR Switzerland’s central office in St. Gallen and in the villages of Rueras and Surava in the Canton of Graubünden. “The main purpose of these small retail units is to enhance the current SPAR stores to provide consumers with 27/4 shopping. This allows those working early or late hours to enjoy a hot beverage and croissants or a light meal, according to André Scherrer, Sales Director of SPAR Switzerland.
“SPAR is constantly looking for chances to improve our customers’ shopping experiences in line with our aim of providing customers with fresh products, high quality, and convenience,” said Tom Rose, Head of Operations at SPAR International. It is wonderful to see this solution being introduced in Switzerland, using cutting-edge technology to give frictionless retail to customers around-the-clock.
Display of technology at EuroShop
The cutting-edge technology was available for visitors to try out at the FAST aXS booth at EuroShop, the world’s top retail trade show for store design, shop fitting, and retail operations, which was held in Düsseldorf from February 26 to March 2, 2023. At the SPAR International Store Development Seminar, which was held in conjunction with EuroShop, representatives from SPAR Partners from all over the globe took part. The programme concentrated on trends in store design, best practises from around the world, energy-saving efforts, knowledge exchange, and insights from guest speakers.
The SPAR Swiss website
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Concerning SPAR Switzerland
In 1989, SPAR Switzerland was established. The family-run firm changed into a holding company with three operating businesses in 2000. The company expanded, combining corporate and independently-owned stores that ranged from big supermarkets to forecourt retailing.
SPAR Switzerland declared the sale of 60% of its shares to SPAR Group Ltd. in South Africa at the beginning of 2016. SPAR Group Ltd. purchased the final 40% in March 2021.
