Supermarket chain Spar has opened its first round-the-clock Spar Express forecourt store operating without onsite personnel at Zurich’s Sihlqui bus terminal.

In addition to refuelling round the clock at the Avia forecourt, shoppers can now also stock up on groceries, fresh snacks and coffee at the same time.

It took three weeks to convert the store at Ausstellungsstrasse 10 in Zurich into a forecourt store operating without onsite personnel. The 50m² shop offers about 1000 products for everyday shopping including bread and bakery, fruit and vegetables, dairy, meat, drinks, basic food items, hygiene articles, and car accessories.

Access to the shop is made easier through technology from Swiss company Fast aXs, which allows customers to enter the store by scanning a QR code at the entrance with their smartphone and accepting the terms and conditions. They do not need to download an app or register and the door can be opened by smartphone.

Items are also scanned with the smartphone and payment is made by Twint, credit or debit card, or with Apple Pay or Google Pay.

The store is equipped with cameras and sensors. If customers have questions or face any problems in the shopping process, information is provided online instantly and additional support is offered. Sales in the shop are monitored via an app that ensures the store is always replenished with fresh food.

Those purchasing fuel can pay at the Avia petrol station with a fuel card, debit or credit card, or cash.

For those who are not familiar with QR code scanning, students were present instore to help in the first few days following the opening.

Spar Switzerland and Avia intend to open additional unattended round-the-clock Spar Express forecourt stores.

Installing unattended Spar Go24 retail units outside urban centres, for example in neighbourhoods without nearby shopping facilities is also part of the firm’s growth strategy. Initially, units will be tested in the villages of Rueras and Surava in the Canton of Graubünden and at Spar Switzerland’s central office in St Gallen.

“These small retail units are primarily intended to complement the existing Spar stores in order to offer customers 24/7 shopping,” said André Scherrer, Spar Switzerland’s sales director. “This means that those working early or late shifts can enjoy a fresh coffee with croissants or a light meal.”

Tom Rose, head of operations at Spar International, added: “Spar is always on the lookout for opportunities to enhance our customers shopping experience in line with our goal of providing customers with fresh products, high quality and convenience. It is great to see the launch of this in Switzerland, using the latest state-of-the-art technology to bring a frictionless retail offering to shoppers 24/7.”

Spar Switzerland was founded in 1989. In 2000, the family-owned business transformed into a holding company with three operating companies. The business grew, combining corporate and independently-owned stores, spanning forecourt retailing to large supermarkets. In early 2016, Spar Switzerland sold 60% of its shares to Spar Group in South Africa. The remaining 40% was purchased in 2021 by Spar Group.