In an increasingly dynamic world where flexibility and convenience are becoming more and more important, bk Group AG and SmartStore AG are taking retail to a new level. Through their pioneering partnership, they are pursuing the goal of fundamentally transforming retail through innovative 24/7 store solutions. These pioneering approaches enable customers to shop around the clock and promise to completely revolutionize the shopping experience. The 24/7 stores could soon change our consumer behavior permanently.
Vision and concept for the 24/7 stores
The vision behind the collaboration between bk Group AG and SmartStore AG is clear: to establish a retail business that is always open and thus frees itself from conventional business hours. The concept of 24/7 stores aims to offer consumers the freedom to shop at any time - be it late at night, on public holidays or at the weekend. People with irregular working hours and those who like to shop when traditional stores are closed will particularly benefit. The unlimited availability of these stores creates a new dimension of flexibility and convenience in retail.
Innovative technologies and concepts
The 24/7 store solutions are based on a combination of advanced technologies and innovative store concepts that redefine retail:
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Vending systems with state-of-the-art technology: these enable fast, staff-free shopping, providing customers with a smooth and efficient experience.
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Wide range of products: Stores offer a diverse selection of products such as food, beverages, household goods and much more to meet customers' daily needs.
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Traditional store concepts with full customer access: Despite the modern technology, direct access to loose products remains, creating a familiar shopping experience.
This combination allows 24/7 stores to respond flexibly to different customer needs and offers an innovative alternative to traditional shopping models.
Seamless integration of online store and 24/7 store
An essential part of the customer journey is the integration of the online store with the physical 24/7 stores.
This connection offers numerous advantages:
| Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Stock monitoring | Optimized availability |
| Flexible pricing models | Adaptability to market conditions |
| Interactive content | Improved customer information |
| Cross-selling | Increased sales |
| Multi-shop management | Efficient management of multiple locations |
Customers can plan their purchases online and then collect them from the 24/7 store or make them directly on site. This seamless connection between the online and offline world significantly increases convenience and flexibility for the customer.
Comprehensive facility management
A central component of the 24/7 store solutions is the comprehensive facility management provided by bk Group AG. This service package ensures that the stores are in perfect condition and run smoothly at all times. The most important services include:
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Regular maintenance work: Stores are continuously maintained to ensure a consistently high standard.
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Fast repair services: In the event of a problem, repairs are carried out swiftly to minimize downtime.
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24/7 emergency hotline: A hotline is available around the clock to organize rapid assistance in an emergency.
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Remote maintenance (remote control): Many technical problems can be resolved quickly and efficiently via remote solutions.
Permanently employed service technicians regularly visit the 24/7 stores throughout Europe to ensure that they function as they did on day one. Thanks to language competence in all European languages, smooth communication without barriers is guaranteed.
Wide range of applications
The 24/7 Store solutions offer a wide range of possible applications and adapt flexibly to different market needs. Among other things, they are suitable for
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Food retail in urban and suburban areas: Stores open around the clock offer a convenient way to buy food and beverages at any time.
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General retail: The sale of household goods, electronics or clothing is made accessible by 24/7 stores - regardless of conventional opening hours.
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Fan merchandise sales at sporting events: Fans can easily purchase items after games or events without having to wait for the next day.
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Supply at electric charging stations or filling stations: While charging or refueling, customers can make purchases at the same time, making efficient use of their time.
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Local supply in remote areas or on company premises: In regions that are difficult to access or on large company premises, 24/7 stores offer a continuous supply and represent a valuable alternative to conventional shopping options.
This versatility underlines the enormous potential of 24/7 store solutions to serve different market niches and open up new business opportunities.
Focus on customer orientation
The consistent focus on the needs and wishes of customers, known as customer centricity, is at the heart of 24/7 store solutions. All activities are aimed at creating a customized and user-friendly shopping experience. These include:
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Personalized customer profiles: Individual profiles make it possible to create tailored recommendations and offers based on customers' preferences.
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Mobile-first strategy: With a clear focus on mobile devices, access to offers and services is made as easy and convenient as possible.
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Data analysis to improve the shopping experience: By continuously evaluating user data, stores can constantly optimize their offers and services.
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Tailored offers and recommendations: Customers receive individualized product suggestions that match their personal interests and buying habits.
On-site sales through smart self-checkout processes: The result is greater efficiency in the 24/7 store and a significant increase in customer loyalty.
This customer-centric approach not only enables companies to sustainably increase customer satisfaction, but also to build strong, long-term customer relationships. Space is at a premium, so you need to calculate well, i.e. every centimetre of the sales area must be used. With our Smart POS systems, you can significantly improve the customer experience. Information on Smart POS and the associated checkout systems can be found here: Smart POS: The store with a smart checkout process
Under the tag/smartstores/ you will find further information on the topic of 24/7 stores in various blog posts.
Sustainable production and architecture
The 24/7 store solutions developed by the bk Group are characterized by their sustainable construction and apositive CO₂ balance over the entire life cycle, including the construction phase. A particular highlight of these stores is the solar system on the roof, which covers a large part of the energy requirements of the electrical consumers. The solid wood construction made of certified spruce forms the basis for a sustainable structure, complemented by an ecological insulating material with high insulation performance.
The 24/7 stores are equipped with an efficient building envelope that reduces heat loss to a minimum. A ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery and energy-saving fans contribute to a further increase in energy efficiency. Heat is supplied by an air heat pump, which ensures a pleasant climate for the 24/7 stores even in extreme weather conditions - from the heat of southern Europe to the cold of the north.
In addition, the 24/7 stores offer modern toilets, the use of which can be easily paid for by EC card, credit card or smartphone. Customers who are registered in the online store have the option of paying using their stored payment method.
Support and application for building permits and subsidies
For construction projects, we take care of the entire process and ensure that everything runs smoothly, from planning to turnkey handover, including interior fittings. As a customer, you benefit from a comprehensive service: building applications are submitted to the relevant authorities in-house by architects authorized to submit building documents. This ensures that all legal requirements are met. The experts accompany the entire approval process and are in close contact with the authorities in order to identify and resolve potential challenges at an early stage. This service is rounded off by advice on possible EU, federal or state funding to provide additional support in financing the project.
The modular, combinable and transportable room elements made of spruce wood meet a wide range of location requirements. As the stores are expandable and adaptable, they can grow with the business if required.
They can be set up, dismantled and relocated within a very short space of time. The smallest version of a 24/7 store (see image), consisting of a lounge area and sanitary facilities, covers around 50 square meters, with no upper limit. Thanks to this flexibility, demolition work is no longer necessary and material waste is reduced.
In 2023, the bk Group received the prestigious European Green Award for its sustainable and innovative 24/7 store solutions!
Outlook and future prospects
The introduction of 24/7 store solutions by BK Group AG and SmartStore AG marks a significant turning point in the retail sector. In the next development phase, these innovative systems will be further refined and established at various locations. The first successful stations, such as enercity and Hannover Airport are setting new standards in electromobilityare already in operation and demonstrate the potential of these solutions.
Retail is at the beginning of a new era in which technology, customer service and comprehensive support are closely interlinked to create an optimized shopping experience. The 24/7 store solutions from bk Group AG and SmartStore AG offer a fascinating look at how technological innovations can revolutionize retail. They enable round-the-clock supply and are perfectly tailored to the needs of modern consumers.
These solutions impressively illustrate what the retail sector of the future could look like: flexible, customer-oriented and available at all times - and therefore ideally prepared for the demands of a constantly changing consumer world.
If you have any further questions on this topic or would like to make an appointment for a live demo, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us via the contact form, by e-mail at info@smartstore.com or by phone from Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at +4923153350.
Contact:
E-mail: info@smartstore.com
Phone: +4923153350
SmartStore AG
Kaiserstraße 63-65
44135 Dortmund