New mini supermarket without staff in Weißbach: A win for seniors!

New mini supermarket without staff in Weißbach: A win for seniors!

A new staffless mini supermarket was recently opened in Weißbach, a small community in the Hohenlohe district. Operated by a start-up from Schwäbisch Hall, this new market is open around the clock, seven days a week and is intended to secure food supplies in rural regions. The ceremonial opening took place on Saturday and was attended by around 150 citizens. Founder Christoph Sarnowski reported predominantly positive feedback from visitors; many were surprised that it was a conventional supermarket and not a vending machine shop. Mayor Rainer Züfle said he was “overjoyed” about the reopening and emphasized the importance of a basic food supply for the community.

The new mini-supermarket is located in a community where many older people live who rely on food supplies within walking distance. It is noteworthy that the market was empty for around a year and a half before it was now revived. From November, assisted living with 21 new residential units will also be opened in Weißbach, which will further improve the supply situation in the region.

Innovative technology for self-service

The mini supermarket offers over 2,000 products, including regional goods. Customers can scan their purchases themselves and pay cashless at a self-service checkout. To ensure security, the store uses an AI-powered anti-theft camera. With this concept, the start-up shows that digital technology and automated processes can also work in retail.

The ORTkauf in Weißbach is already the start-up’s fifth mini supermarket. Further locations are being planned, including in Niedernhall and Erlenbach. The target group of this new market is primarily older people who are less mobile. Sarnowski is also actively involved in the community and presents his concept at senior citizens' afternoons in order to attract citizens to the new market.

Legal challenges and future prospects

However, digital mini-supermarkets like this are in a legal gray area. The state government is currently discussing Sunday opening times for such markets. Sarnowski hopes for a positive decision to further increase the market's attractiveness.

The increasing number of mini-supermarkets shows that in rural areas there is often no access to local shops. The market for personalized shopping technologies is growing, with entrepreneurs like Tante M in Baden-Württemberg already running around 60 similar stores that rely on digital technology. These mini supermarkets fill an important gap in many villages and bring back a touch of everyday life. Although these stores are estimated to be around 10% more expensive than normal supermarkets, around 90% of customers find the price level to be acceptable, which speaks for their acceptance in the communities. The leader of the Green Party in Baden-Württemberg, Andreas Schwarz, sees such concepts as an opportunity for structurally weak regions and emphasizes the high level of acceptance of mini markets among residents, which make their everyday lives easier.