Unlimited shopping: 13 smart stores in Saxony

Shopping around the clock, even on Sundays, without the need for staff at the checkout: smart stores - automated mini-markets without staff - could be a solution. According to the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) in Heilbronn, there are currently 13 smart stores in Saxony and 723 nationwide. "There is currently a new store opening almost every day," said Prof. Stephan Rüschen from the (DHBW).

According to a YouGov survey commissioned by the German Press Agency, more than a third of respondents (35 percent) believe that (more) Sundays open for business would help the retail sector economically. However, the day of rest is sacred to many, at least in a figurative sense.

Smart stores resolve the contradiction, emphasized Rüschen. On the one hand, the Sunday rest enshrined in the German constitution could be preserved. On the other hand, people would also have the opportunity to shop on Sundays - which would enhance the local supply, especially in rural areas.

Local supply secured, location enhanced

In its own survey, the DHBW interviewed people who had already had concrete experiences with a smart store open around the clock in their area. According to Rüschen, a very large proportion of over 80 percent, in some cases over 90 percent, believe that the so-called unmanned local suppliers simplify everyday life and enhance their locality. "Customers are very, very happy to have this service."

Convenience plays a greater role here than product range and price. Many people particularly appreciate the Sunday opening, said the retail expert. On the other hand, it is generally not worthwhile for businesses to operate without Sundays. "Around 30 percent of sales are made on Sundays."

Criticism from churches and trade unions

In contrast, the "Alliance for a Free Sunday", an alliance of church organizations and the trade union Verdi, rejects Sunday opening. Although smart stores are automated at the checkout, they also need staff on Sundays, for example to put away goods, for cleaning and monitoring, they said. In addition, it would distort competition if other stores had to close on Sundays and displace medium-sized retailers, bakeries and butchers.

Saxony currently tolerates digital supermarkets and is examining a legal basis to provide legal certainty for operators and local authorities.