Automated 24/7 Convenience Stores in Rural Areas: An Inside Look
Understanding Village Mini-Markets: Essential Information You Should Be Aware Of - Village Convenience Stores Unveiled - Explore These Local Gems
Want to pick up some groceries like flour, dairy, and eggs for your dessert? No sweat in the city. But in the countryside, getting to the nearest supermarket can be a drive. Self-serve mini-supermarkets open round-the-clock might be the solution. Here's the scoop!
How Do They Work?
These mini-stores aren't continuously attended, but rather operate on an automated system. You'll find staff to restock the shelves and help out customers for a few hours each week, but the rest of the time, you're expected to scan and pay for your own items.
Where Are They Located?
One provider of these self-service markets is Tante M. Alongside independent franchisees, they currently have approximately 60 stores across Germany, primarily in Baden-Württemberg. There are also several Teo-mini-markets in the northern regions, such as those operated by the Hessian trading company Tegut.
When Can I Shop?
Tante M stores usually open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, covering the bulk of customers' needs. Most stores close at night for security reasons and do not require a 24/7 mini-supermarket in rural areas. Teo-markets, however, stay open 24/7.
What's the Legal Situation?
According to Stephan Rüschen, a trade expert and professor of food retailing at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University in Heilbronn, "TheShop Opening Act prohibits stores from operating on Sundays." However, municipalities permit exceptions in a "tolerant" manner, as Rüschen puts it.
The Greens in the state parliament view this as a "grey area" in the law and propose legalizing the operation of mini-supermarkets on Sundays. Hesse has already taken this step, with a law allowing stores up to 120 square meters, selling only essential goods, to open on Sundays.
How Well Are They Doing?
Surprisingly well, says Rüschen: "Surveys of customers using such mini-markets have shown that a majority say they wouldn't want the store to close and that it greatly improves their daily life." Furthermore, a strong attachment to the stores has been observed among the public, something Tante M's business manager Carsten Pletz confirms: "We receive overwhelmingly positive feedback." Merry opening ceremonies often feature local brass bands and speeches by the mayor.
Politics' Perspective
Andreas Schwarz, leader of the Greens in the state parliament, believes these mini-markets play a vital role in enabling rural dwellers to buy essential goods without lengthy car trips. He believes this could increase the appeal of rural areas where bakeries, butchers, and local stores have often been scarce for a long time: "A store in the village significantly improves the quality of life in rural areas."
Is It Expensive for Consumers?
Trade expert Rüschen from Heilbronn's Dual University estimates that customers in mini-markets might pay around 10% more than in regular supermarkets. Yet, most people seem unfazed: "Customer surveys have found that almost 90% of users consider the price level acceptable," says Rüschen.
Is There a High Incidence of Theft?
"Theft is unfortunately an issue we face," admits Carsten Pletz from Tante M. However, the stores aren't in competition with other retail establishments, leading to a stronger sense of community. Customers want the store to stay, making theft less likely. Moreover, these stores have security systems and occasional access controls, with customers required to scan a customer or bank card to enter the store.
- The sudden occurrence of automated 24/7 convenience stores in rural areas raises questions about the employment policy, as these stores are largely self-service with limited staffing hours.
- In the discussion surrounding these mini-supermarkets, a significant point of interest is their impact on the community policy, particularly in terms of fostering a sense of community among rural residents.
- The finance industry might be affected by the proliferation of these mini-markets, as surveys suggest customers may be willing to pay a premium for the convenience they provide, potentially altering buying behaviors and market dynamics.
- The retail sector may also experience shifts in business strategies due to the presence of mini-supermarkets, as they cater to essential goods and operate round-the-clock, offering an unprecedented level of convenience in rural areas.
