The era of shops closing at 6 PM is slowly ending, even in small towns in Slovakia. Starting tomorrow, July 24, the Coop Jednota chain will open its largest automated supermarket, which will operate 24/7 in the town of Zákamenné in Orava. This is not just another store, but part of a large strategy to modernize trade in the regions.
The new Tempo format supermarket will have a sales area of 1000 square meters, making it the largest 24-hour store of the chain in the country. The grand opening, scheduled for 8:00 PM, will combine modern technology with local traditions: organizers will try to set a record for the largest number of customers in national costumes (kroje). For participants who come in traditional attire, there will be a prize draw, including 20 shopping certificates up to 200 euros.
How do automated stores work?
The concept of Coop Jednota 24-hour stores, of which there are already over 30 in Slovakia, involves a hybrid mode of operation. During the day, the supermarket operates with regular staff, and at night, on weekends, and on holidays, it switches to automatic mode. To shop at night, you need to follow a few simple steps:
- Download the app. You will need the COOP Jednota Klub mobile application, available for iOS and Android.
- Register and verify. For the first login, you need to create an account, link your loyalty card, and verify your identity using your ID card (občiansky preukaz) and a photo of your face. An important condition is being 18 years old, as the stores sell alcohol and tobacco products.
- Generate a QR code. Before entering the store, you need to generate a unique QR code in the app.
- Enter, shop, and pay. The code is scanned at the entrance to open the door. After that, you can freely choose products, scan them at the self-service checkout, and pay cashless – by card, phone, or watch.
- Exit the store. To exit, you need to generate and scan a QR code again.
The entire process is remotely monitored by security through cameras, which can contact customers if necessary.
Why is Coop Jednota switching to this format?
Automation is the chain's response to modern customer needs and a way to maintain the profitability of stores in small settlements, where they are often the only option for buying groceries. According to company representative Jana Kuklová, this format finds its customers among local residents, tourists, students, and travelers.
In addition to expanding the 24/7 network, Coop Jednota plans to open up to 10 new Tempo format supermarkets across Slovakia this year. Some of them will be completely new, while others will be modernized. This is part of a broader strategy that also includes developing digital solutions and modernizing existing stores.
