Bottle return machines may move to new locations in grocery stores

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 09. 13. 12:39

Leading grocery store chains are increasingly planning to move bottle return machines from inside stores to outside, G7 reported. The current internal placement of machines, especially in busy stores, does not work, as redeemers and customers obstruct each other in the stores. Chains aim to place vending machines outside the sales area, thereby reducing crowding and inconvenience for both customers and staff.

Why is the change necessary?

In busy stores, many customers arrive with large bags to return bottles, which can lead to congestion and unpleasant situations. Keeping the vending machines in the sales area clean is also a serious challenge for stores. In addition, if someone just wants to exchange a bottle, they often have to go through the cash registers, which creates even more difficulties, especially if the machines are not working.

What are the plans?

Communications managers at Spar and Lidl have both confirmed that the store chains are looking into changing the location of the vending machines. Márk Maczelka, Spar’s head of communications, said that the evaluation of the experiences related to the operation of the system is underway, and a decision will be made on the relocation of the locations based on this. Judit Tőssér, Lidl’s communications manager, also confirmed that the company is investigating the possibility of relocating the vending machines at the entrance.

The challenges of relocation