Carrefour Poland debuts 24/7 automated micro-store | Progresiv
Carrefour Poland has unveiled a self-service micro-store concept in Warsaw’s Bialoleka district designed to operate 24/7. The store is roughly the size of a shipping container and resembles concepts like Bingo Box and Auchan Minute seen in China. The concept uses a mixture of conventional shelves and also vending machines to sell its 170-SKU range. 
The offer skews towards a convenience assortment, with a food-to-go offer, i.e. sandwiches, snacks, drinks or confectionery, but also carries fresh products like apples, tomatoes, lettuce, and bread. There is a limited dairy assortment as well as sausages and fish. No BWS are available, but there is a coffee offer, along with daily necessities like pet food and hygiene products. Some bio products like plant milk are also available.
The vending machines are adapted to the products and delivered to shoppers by elevators, guaranteeing the safety of delicate products like eggs. Transactions are carried out via a touch panel, which means that payment using cards or the BLIK payment app takes place only once.
Store replenishment will be handled by the nearby Carrefour Market branch, which will constantly monitor stock levels remotely. A 24-hour help line is available should shoppers experience difficulty or out-of-stocks when using the outlet. After a trial operational period, expected to last several months, Carrefour sees opportunities to roll out the model to areas like housing estates, tourist locations and in as a mobile store. (www.kantarretailiq.com)
