Mini supermarkets in rural areas: your solution for fresh food!

Mini supermarkets in rural areas: your solution for fresh food!

In rural areas of Baden-Württemberg, shopping is becoming increasingly challenging as traditional bakers and butchers are becoming increasingly rare. Residents often have to travel long distances to the nearest supermarket to do their daily shopping. Mini-supermarkets without staff could offer a practical solution here, as they are often open 24 hours a day. The bo.de reports that these stores are mostly automated and only require a minimal staff who are responsible for stocking the shelves and providing occasional support. The provider Tante M already operates around 60 such stores in the region.

The Tante M stores are usually open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., while the Teo mini markets, which are part of the Tegut company, are open around the clock all year round. However, the current shop opening law in Germany does not allow Sunday openings, although many municipalities often grant permits, which can be viewed as toleration. The Greens in the state parliament are calling for official permission for such shops to open on Sundays in order to better take into account the needs of the rural population.

Positive response to mini supermarkets

Customer surveys show that many users of mini-supermarkets have a high emotional connection to these stores. They find them an enrichment to their everyday lives, even if the prices are estimated to be around 10% higher than those in regular supermarkets. Nevertheless, almost 90% of users are satisfied with the price level. Some challenges, such as theft, are perceived as a preventive measure due to customers' attachment to stores. In addition, stores have surveillance systems and access controls that require customers to scan a card to gain entry.

Another player in rural retail is the supermarket chain Tante Enso, which is also bringing grocery stores back to the countryside. Danny Erdmann, the area manager of Tante Enso, highlights the potential for new branches and reports positive feedback from places such as Görzig, Abtsdorf and Großlehna. The process of opening a new market begins with advertising the location to Aunt Enso. A subsequent location analysis examines the feasibility, with the aim of attracting a certain number of shareholders in order to secure the interest of the community.

Community models and local participation

Aunt Enso works on a cooperative model that requires 300 people to contribute 100 euros each to open a new branch. In Großlehna, customers are pleased with the opportunity to buy groceries in the immediate vicinity and thus save on travel costs. A customer mentions that she can go there with her children after daycare to buy ice cream. Such locally oriented models promote community and help improve the quality of life in small towns.

The commitment of both providers shows a growing awareness of the needs of rural communities and could be crucial to ensuring local supplies in rural areas.