
In the one_Interview, Lekkerland managers Mehmet Tözge and Michael Mayer-Sonnenburg explain why consumers today like to shop at cashierless stores when they are out and about and present four solutions that are currently being developed and tested under the REWE To Go brand.
Mehmet Tözge, Michael Mayer-Sonnenburg
one: Mr Tözge, what advantages do autonomous shops offer consumers?
Mehmet Tözge: These shops can be open at all times and enable particularly fast shopping. They can also help to reduce contact. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, this is important to many consumers.
one: Are consumers open to the technologies associated with such shops?
Mehmet Tözge: Studies show that openness is continuously increasing across all generations. Consumers also want to be able to shop 24/7. Interest in autonomous shops has never been greater.
Michael Mayer-Sonnenburg: We also see this in practice. In our REWE To Go store at Cologne Central Station, the use of self-service solutions, such as coffee and fresh baked goods, as well as self-checkout tills has increased significantly over the past two years. Up to 50 per cent of all customers now use this method to pay for their purchases.
one: How does Lekkerland intend to cater to consumers' increasing interest in autonomous shops for out-of-home consumption?
Mehmet Tözge: Out-of-home consumption is diverse. Consumers want to buy food on the go for different occasions and in different places, for example on the way to work or during their lunch break. That's why we are convinced that autonomous shops also need to be diverse. in our opinion, "one size fits all" - i.e. one solution for everything - does not work. Instead, we are developing and testing four solutions for autonomous shops under the REWE To Go brand.
one: What characterises these solutions and how do they differ?
Mehmet Tözge: The concepts differ, among other things, in the specific organisation of shopping, the scope of the product ranges and the technologies used, which range from self-checkout to artificial intelligence. The latter makes it possible for consumers to simply take the goods off the shelf when shopping and leave the shop without having to pay at a checkout. Cameras record their purchases and billing takes place via an app.
one: Why did you choose the REWE To Go brand for your autonomous shop activities?
Michael Mayer-Sonnenburg: First of all, REWE To Go is one of the leading convenience formats in Germany and is already present and successful at high-frequency locations. So it makes sense to focus on this strong brand that is well-known among consumers.
What's more, the activities in the area of stand-alone shops are a consistent continuation of the path that REWE To Go has taken at high-frequency locations in recent years. We have continuously developed the stores in order to fulfil the wishes of consumers in the best possible way. For example, we offer our customers numerous self-service options, such as baked goods and coffee. This helps them to complete their shopping quickly and reduce the number of contacts. Our brand promise "Fast. Fresh. Food." fits perfectly with smart store concepts and the expectations of end consumers in out-of-home consumption.
one: You just mentioned that out-of-home consumption is diverse. Which channels are these solutions intended for?
Michael Mayer-Sonnenburg: We are developing and testing these solutions under the REWE To Go brand for high-frequency locations - such as railway stations and airports - and for so-called semi-public areas such as hospitals and universities.
one: An important customer group for Lekkerland is oil companies. Do you also develop autonomous shop solutions for petrol stations?
Michael Mayer-Sonnenburg: We will also use the expertise we gain from developing and testing the solutions in other channels. We can't yet say what this will look like in the case of petrol stations. But one thing is clear: we will be working on this topic together with our customers.
one: Do your activities in the area of smart stores also include charging parks?
Michael Mayer-Sonnenburg: Yes! We are working intensively on this channel and are already in talks with providers/operators of such parks.
one: When will consumers be able to shop in Lekkerland's first autonomous shop?
Mehmet Tözge: They already can. Together with Sana Kliniken AG, we are testing a version of the "Smart Kiosk", i.e. a small shop with a self-checkout till, in two hospitals in southern Germany: employees, patients and visitors can buy snacks, drinks, drugstore items and ice cream there. A version of the "Smart Kiosk" is also available to employees and visitors at three Lekkerland locations. In addition, consumers will be able to use the "Smart Vending Machine" under the REWE To Go brand at a well-frequented location from the summer as part of the pilot phase. They will then have the opportunity to stock up on snacks and drinks around the clock.
Michael Mayer-Sonnenburg: This solution, which Lekkerland developed together with the company Latebird, was honoured with the "reta award" in the "Best Customer Experience" category in March. With this award, the EHI Retail Institute recognises retail companies for outstanding technology solutions.
one: Which of the four solutions do you have the highest hopes for?
Mehmet Tözge: We are absolutely convinced by all four solutions. But ultimately, the wishes and behaviour of consumers are decisive. They will determine what the future of autonomous shops in out-of-home consumption will look like and which solutions will prevail in which channels. We are very excited to see what this future will look like.
one: Thank you very much for the interview!
About the person
As Director Smart Store Development, Mehmet Tözge heads up the development of autonomous shop solutions at Lekkerland.
As Director Franchise & Convenience Stores, Michael Mayer-Sonnenburg is responsible for the REWE To Go stores operated by Lekkerland, partners or franchisees.

"Fast. Fresh. Food." This is what REWE To Go offers at around 720 locations in Germany. The majority of these - around 700 - can be found at Aral petrol stations and are also operated by the oil company.
Around 20 stores are located at high-frequency sites. These mainly include railway stations, but also airports. Most of these locations are operated by Lekkerland. The convenience activities of the REWE Combine are bundled in this subsidiary of the REWE Group.
Lekkerland operates three locations (located at the main railway stations in Dortmund, Dresden and Nuremberg) together with SSP - The Food Travel Experts.
The plans presented here for autonomous shop solutions under the REWE To Go brand relate exclusively to stores operated by Lekkerland, in partnership or by franchisees at high-frequency locations and in semi-public areas.
Smart vending machine
Offers: 24/7 shopping, fast & contactless, walk-in shop, transportable
Technology: Robotics
Assortment: 300 to 400 items (all temperature zones), incl. alcohol and tobacco products
Suitable for: public and semi-public areas, indoor & outdoor
Status: In testing; available as part of the pilot phase from summer at a public and well-frequented location
Award: reta award 2022 in the "Best Customer Experience" category
Smart BOX
Offers: 24/7 shopping, fast & contactless, walk-in shop, transportable
Technology: Artificial intelligence
Assortment: Approx. 200 items (all temperature zones), incl. tobacco products, coffee machine
Suitable for: Public and semi-public areas, indoor & outdoor
Status: In test
Smart Stop
Offers: 24/7 shopping, fast & contactless
Technology: Smart Vending
Assortment: Flexible; chilled products, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages possible
Suitable for: Public and semi-public areas, indoor & outdoor
Status: In development
Smart Kiosk
Offers: 24/7 shopping, fast & contactless
Technology: Self-checkout
Assortment: Approx. 230 products (all temperature zones), coffee machine
Suitable for: semi-public areas, indoor & outdoor
Status: Live as part of the pilot phase
In operation in two Sana Kliniken AG hospitals