REWE Group's Jan Kunath: checkout-free stores face a rethink as a hybrid world prevails
Are we about to see the end of shop and go autonomous locations and thus also the demise of smart stores?
It's a question put out there recently by Jan Kunath, Deputy CEO at REWE Group.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "Recently, there have been increasing reports that manless store concepts in the UK, USA and Europe are closing again or will not be rolled out further. Certainly not, but in practice there are differences in customer acceptance depending on various criteria."
He noted that 60 to 70% of consumers in Europe are still critical of unmanned charging. But he believes that the hybrid world will prevail, one in which the customer will choose between human service and autonomous purchasing.
"The success story of self-checkout checkouts is a good example of how it can develop. It only takes time: In countries such as Lithuania, for example, the usage rate is already well over 50%. The mix of efficiency, control and trust in technology convinces customers," he commented.
"For me, one thing is certain. The supermarket of the future will therefore continue to be an exciting field of experimentation that will show many more new innovative solutions."
"But for me it is also clear. Between automation and personal customer contact, it remains to be seen which concepts are suitable for everyday use. And it will continue to be "humanised" in many supermarkets."
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Autonomous stores were a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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