Søstrene Grene stumps up DKK 380 million for automated logistics operation in Denmark and Netherlands
Danish retailer Søstrene Grene has invested DKK 380 million in an automated logistics setup in Denmark and the Netherlands, alongside an implementation of SAP technology.
In a LinkedIn post, the retailer said: “Recently, we welcomed Danish business newspaper Børsen to our distribution centre in Aarslev for a closer look at how automation is helping us build for the future. Importantly, automation is not about replacing our employees. They are being trained to take on more specialised tasks, while automation primarily reduces our reliance on seasonal workers during peak periods and creates a safer working environment with less heavy lifting.”
It added: “The automated journey begins as soon as goods arrive at our distribution centre, where an inbound robotic solution receives and sorts them. In our e-commerce operation, mobile robots pick online orders before automated packing solutions prepare them for shipment. This not only makes our operation more efficient but also reduces the amount of packaging and empty space in each box.”
It concluded: “Automation is helping us increase efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions across our logistics operations and create a better working environment for our employees - with fewer manual tasks and less heavy lifting. With this strong foundation, we are ready to pursue our ambition of reaching 500 stores across markets in the next few years.”
Digital receipts
Earlier this year, we reported that Søstrene Grene was rolling out ReceiptHero’s digital receipt technology across its network of stores.
The brand, known for its affordable home accessories and design led retail concept, has piloted the solution in Denmark, with a broader roll-out now in progress.
At the core of the initiative is ReceiptHero’s card linking technology, which allows shoppers to automatically receive digital receipts after paying in-store. Customers can connect their payment card and have receipts delivered instantly, removing the need for paper copies.
For those not using the retailer’s mobile app, people can access their receipt by tapping their phone on an NFC enabled terminal at checkout, opening the receipt directly in a mobile browser without requiring a download.
Through the new setup, Søstrene Grene can prompt customers to opt in to marketing communications or encourage app downloads at the Point of Sale. It says the initiative is designed to strengthen long-term customer relationships while also supporting more personalised in-store experiences when shoppers return.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC 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.
