Unmanned supermarkets are popular in Germany

By: Trademagazin editor Date: 2025. 02. 27. 09:59

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According to a recent study by KPMG and EHI, two thirds of German consumers are open to autonomous grocery stores. Interest in such stores is particularly high among young people and city dwellers, while it is lower in rural areas.

The “Consumer Barometer” study points out that self-service stores could be a solution for the declining number of grocery stores in rural areas, where shopping often requires long journeys.

The survey also highlights concerns: 68% of respondents consider autonomous shopping impersonal, while 54% warn of privacy risks. In particular, respondents see a lack of staff as a problem in toy and fashion shops, where shoppers more often require advice.

Germany already has hundreds of unmanned shops, mainly in rural areas. The biggest players are Tante Enso (64 shops), Tante M (63 shops) and the Tegut chain’s Teo (40 shops). Some chains use a hybrid model, where staff are available at certain times. In the stores, purchases are subject to registration and payment is made at self-service checkouts or via a “Grab & Go” system, where cameras identify the products in the basket and automatically deduct the amount from the customer’s account.

According to the study, customers value flexibility and simplicity in these shops.

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