4.1.2.3 Unattended Retail (Micromarkets & Smart Fridges)

Micromarkets are small, unattended convenience stores in workplaces. A new and growing trend in Europe, with more than 10,000 in operation as of 2023 and typically include the following elements:

Products are on open shelves, or chiller cabinets or fridges so consumers can select them as they would in a store

Selected products are scanned by the consumer either at a central unattended till, or using a smartphone app

Payment is taken either at the central till (usually cashless), or through a smartphone app

Usually includes at least one hot beverage machine

May include a microwave to heat purchased food

May include an area with tables and seating

The EVA estimates the total number of Smart Fridges across Europe to be between 2,500 and 3,500, with more machine operators operating Smart Fridges than Micromarkets in Europe.

In Figure 4, an example of a Micromarket and a Smart Fridge is given.