Kaufland Bulgaria: Leading the Way in Self-Checkout Expansion with Over BGN 1 Million Investment

Kaufland Bulgaria is making a significant investment in installing new self-checkouts across its store network, with over BGN 1 million earmarked for this project. The retailer has already introduced six self-service checkouts at its Pernik – Hristo Smirnenski outlet, with plans to add ten more and expand five existing self-checkout areas by the end of the year. This will bring the total number of self-service checkouts to over 80, available in both new and recently renovated stores.

Since 2021, Kaufland Bulgaria has installed 229 self-checkouts in 36 stores nationwide, catering to the growing demand from customers who appreciate the convenience and time-saving benefits of self-checkouts. These automated systems offer various payment options, including cash, cards, and electronic food vouchers. The retailer reports that over 30% of its customers are already using self-checkouts, a figure that continues to rise each year.

In addition to traditional self-checkouts, Kaufland Bulgaria introduced the K-Scan service last year, allowing customers to scan their groceries as they shop using a handheld scanner or their phone. This innovative system simplifies the checkout process, with customers only needing to pay at the self-checkout using a QR code. Currently available in two stores in Sofia, the pilot program requires customers to register their Kaufland Card at the store entrance to access the service.

Kaufland Bulgaria is a prominent player in the Bulgarian retail sector, boasting 65 hypermarkets in 35 cities and annual sales exceeding BGN 2 billion (€1 billion). Since its establishment in 2006, the retailer has invested a total of BGN 1.6 billion (€818 million) in infrastructure upgrades across its store network, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for its customers.

The company’s commitment to providing innovative solutions for its customers extends beyond its technology initiatives. In recent years, Kaufland Bulgaria has introduced several new product lines that cater specifically to health-conscious consumers. For example, it now offers an extensive range of organic products and gluten-free alternatives.

Despite facing competition from other major retailers like Lidl and Carrefour Bulgaria Limited Company (CBLC), Kaufland Bulgaria remains committed to expanding its presence throughout Europe.

Kaufland is one of Europe’s largest discount retailers and operates under different names across different countries such as Lidl Germany/Austria/Netherlands/Switzerland/Belgium/Luxembourg/Denmark/Norway/Iceland/Sweden/Finland/Poland/Slovakia/Czech Republic /United Kingdom/Ireland; Kwikotop Poland; Netto Denmark; Maxi Iceland; Biolageret Norway & Sweden; Matkraft Norway & Sweden; Matkraft Finland & Russia; Lea Austria & Switzerland