Digitalisation key as REWE Group celebrates opening of 400th PENNY store in dynamic Romanian market

REWE Group reports the opening of the 400th PENNY store in Romania.

In a LinkedIn post, Christoph Eltze, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at REWE Group, said: “I was there for the launch and I am impressed: This milestone is an important step in expanding and strengthening our presence in the local market.”

“At @PENNY | At REWE Romania, we focus on proximity, quality and sustainability. Every new store represents a direct investment in local communities and a response to the needs of consumers – we see a lot of potential for development in an economically fast growing country like Romania.”

He added: “Our success reflects the efforts of a team of over 7,000 colleagues who are committed to driving our development strategy in Romania together. The entrepreneurial spirit was also clearly felt on site at the opening.”

“We are also well positioned in Romania in the area of digitalisation. Therefore, during my visit to Romania, I couldn't miss the opportunity to stop by our autonomous PENNY store in Bucharest – our first checkout-free discounter worldwide. It was only in May of this year that I reported here about the innovative store.”

“I am curious to see how the already very dynamic market in Romania develops. In any case, my visit confirmed to me that we are on site with a strong and motivated team and are ready to play an active role in shaping the food retail sector in Romania.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores were a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended our 21st November gathering.