Wanzl Implements Small-Space Concept for V-Markt

Bavarian retail company Georg Jos. Kaes GmbH, which operates the V-Markt and V-Baumarkt retail stores, is breaking new ground with Wanzl as its development and implementation partner. For the Haken district in Kaufbeuren (Ostallgäu), a small-space concept based on Wanzl's 24/7 shop formats was jointly developed for the local market.

The Strategic Need for Small-Space Retail

Although the weekly bulk shop is still a mainstay of the grocery retail sector, most people still want to make a quick, short trip to a nearby supermarket. However, especially in rural areas or in remote or newer residential areas, the nearest store is often further away. Until now, V-Markt stores were known as large-scale retail stores with hundreds of thousands of products. In Kaufbeuren, a small vacant commercial building has now been converted and is the location of the first 400-square-meter V-mini store.

Christoph Kübel, Senior Director Retail at Wanzl, explains the selection: "With Kaes, we analysed beforehand whether the Haken district was a suitable location for the store. It quickly became clear that it was predestined for this because there were hardly any shopping options here until now. At the same time, the district is very popular as a new development area. More and more people and therefore potential customers are moving here and will certainly welcome such a shopping offer."

Innovation in Shop Design and Implementation

Another strategic consideration for Kaes, which until now has only operated large retail spaces, is that new customer needs also mean new shopping behaviours. Customers prefer fast, uncomplicated shopping. Small-space concepts such as the V-mini are a future-oriented solution here. Consequently, Kaes entrusted the project to Wanzl's experts, who managed everything from planning and shop design to shop fittings and technology.

Innovative Technology and Autonomous Processes

Shopping at the V-mini store is simple and innovative. This starts as soon as you enter the supermarket: The sliding doors at the entrance open fully automatically by scanning a debit or credit card. Inside, the customer moves around as in a conventional V-Markt, selects the products of their choice from the shelf and places them in their shopping trolley or shopping basket.

With the cloud-based management software Wanzl Connect®, the autonomous processes in the supermarket are controlled and monitored centrally and digitally. Thanks to this technology, the V-mini store can be operated almost without staff – a great advantage in times of acute staff shortages and the demographic development. Only one employee is needed to stock the shelves and assist customers who have questions about the product range and the technology. Wanzl Connect® also supports new coronavirus restrictions by controlling and limiting the number of people in the store.

Comprehensive Product Range and Store Layout

Although the V-mini is a small version of the V-Markt, the customer will find a selected full range here, which makes both the big weekly shopping and small errands possible. The elegant wire tech 100 shelf, the Vitable® fresh produce table for fruit and vegetables, and easy-to-set-up bargain baskets present the products and give the store a very clear layout. Products subject to age restrictions are located in a separate area that can only be accessed through another access gate. Fresh baked goods and fresh coffee are provided in the BakeOff station from Wanzl and a fully automatic coffee machine.

Wanzl Solutions and Equipment

The following table summarizes the key equipment and service solutions integrated by Wanzl into the project and their broader product range:

Category	Equipment and Solutions
Shop Formats	24/7 shop formats, Customised shopfitting, Small-space concepts
Shelving & Displays	wire tech 100 shelf, Vitable® fresh produce table, BakeOff station, Special offer baskets
Technology	Wanzl Connect® cloud software, Retail software, Coin deposit systems
Access & Security	Access gates, Checkout barriers, Turnstiles and swing gates, Flexible guidance systems
Transport & Logistics	Shopping trolleys, Shopping baskets, Pallet systems, Order picking trolleys
Service	360° service, International service network, Repair & Maintenance