Cashierless Rewe To Go Smart Box store opens doors in public arrivals area of Germany's Frankfurt airport

Lekkerland SE’s 20th entry in its smart store concept push, the Rewe To Go Smart Box, is now live at Germany’s Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1 Gate B.

In a LinkedIn post, Mehmet Tözge, Vice President Smart Stores at Lekkerland SE, said: “Customer preferences have changed. End consumers want to shop 24/7, quickly and with as few contacts as possible. We’re developing smart stores to meet the evolving expectations of end consumers.”

The Rewe To Go Smart Box is equipped with computer vision technology from AiFi Iand smart vending solutions from Stüwer. The check-in application was developed by Futuremind.

The shopper scans a cashless means of payment at the check in terminal. After that, they can enter the store. Computer vision cameras record which products have been removed. The amount due is automatically debited from the previously scanned means of payment.

In addition, it is possible to select products at Stüwer’s smart vending solution with touch display and then receive them via the output compartment. This is used in particular for tobacco and alcoholic products. Age verification by scanning an identity card or driver's licence ensures compliance with youth protection regulations.

Meanwhile, in nearby Poland…

Piko24 is working on a network of 24/7 autonomous stores in Poland which allow for instant entry, product selection and automatic payment, powered by artificial intelligence (natch!).

The first locations are set to open in the near future.

In a LinkedIn post, Piko24's Krzysztof Gawalek, said: "I have been an active entrepreneur for over 20 years. Today, together with Piotr Beaupré, we are entering the market with an innovative model of autonomous stores that respond to the key challenges of modern retail - growing customer expectations regarding convenience, speed and availability of shopping."

He added: "Globally, we are observing the dynamic development of retail technologies, where automation, AI and vision systems are changing the way we shop. Poland is not lagging behind - consumers are increasingly choosing maintenance free solutions, and the market is ready for a new quality of shopping experience."

"Our network of unique autonomous stores is the answer to these changes. We create places where customers can make a purchase without queues, without checkouts, 24/7, using the latest and attention - Polish technologies. This is an important step in the development of retail in Poland. I am glad that we can be part of it!"

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Autonomous stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, 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 November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.