Valora pulls from autonomous retail to focus on hybrid stores
Over 20 sites across Switzerland will be upgraded to the hybrid concept as it offers a more flexible experience for customers.
Valora announced a shift in its strategy to strengthen the focus on hybrid avec 24/7 stores while ceasing to operate completely autonomous avec box sites. The technology developed for the latter format will be integrated fully into the hybrid 24/7 stores, planning to expand the model to more than 20 locations in Switzerland.
The firm currently operates six hybrid stores across the country – with staff during the day and autonomous access for customers at night. This flexible shopping experience offers convenience not only via product range, but letting customers purchase goods at their own pace outside of normal business hours.
More than 20 outlets will be turned into hybrid 24/7 stores by the beginning of 2024. Existing sales outlets just have to be upgraded with the required technology and security measures.
As part of its focus on this hybrid concept, Valora will cease to operate the avec box locations in agreement with the relevant landlords. The company said in a press release that it regrets the fact that, in spite of the support and encouragement of the customers, current demand for the avec box does not permit the profitable operation of this completely autonomous store concept at rented locations in the long term.
In April 2019, Valora became the first company in Switzerland to launch an autonomous convenience store in the form of avec box, allowing customers to shop around the clock, seven days a week. The wealth of knowledge that has been gained will be integrated fully into the hybrid 24/7 stores.
