In future, a screen will greet shoppers in the spa town of Oybin instead of Aunt Emma: This Thursday, a "Smart Store" will open its doors in the small community in the Zittau Mountains - from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. and also on Sundays and public holidays. For the 1,600 inhabitants of the popular tourist town, this closes a gap in the local supply that many have felt for years. "We've seen that people keep asking: Where can I buy something when I go hiking or want to stock up for my vacation apartment?" says operator Conrad Siebert, who runs a hotel in the village and has been a member of the local council since 2009. For him, the store has long since become an "affair of the heart". It is doubly important for the spa town: "For the residents, who don't want to drive five kilometers to the nearest supermarket every time, and for the many vacation guests who cater for themselves," says Siebert.
Support is provided by the municipality, in whose building the market, which is part of the "Tante M" franchise system, is housed. On 58 square meters, there are shelves with food, drinks and everyday necessities. "It's just a normal grocery store as you know it, just a little more streamlined," says Siebert, describing the concept. Customers can gain access with a debit, credit or customer card. Payment is only made digitally at self-service checkouts and purchases are recorded electronically. In the event of theft, customers can be identified using their access data.
