SPAR Norway has added two partially remote-controlled stores to its network. SPAR Prestfoss (pictured), Norway’s largest partially remote-controlled SPAR supermarket, opened on 27 April, and SPAR Sæbøvik opened on 29 April, becoming SPAR Norway’s seventh partially remote-controlled store. Both stores will be open 24 hours a day.
Remote control works by customers scanning their bank card at a vending machine outside the front door to gain access. Goods are paid for at the self-service checkout, and the receipt is scanned at the exit. If customers need help, assistance is available via a video camera connected to a 24-hour control centre.
SPAR Prestfoss
SPAR Prestfoss’ staffed opening hours will remain the same, and all employees will keep their current working hours. Outside of these hours, the supermarket will be available to customers as a remote-controlled solution, allowing them to shop around the clock, seven days a week, all year round.
“This is a major milestone for us, and I am very proud of both the store and our team members for achieving this,” said SPAR Prestfoss store manager Anita Steinseth.
“We now look forward to keeping the doors open so customers can shop whenever it suits them.”
SPAR Prestfoss has a retail sales area of about 800sqm and is independently owned. The supermarket has also recently invested in a new meat counter, which offers a bigger selection.
SPAR Sæbøvik
The seventh partially remote-controlled store, SPAR Sæbøvik, is located on Halsnøy in the Hardangerfjord, which has about 2,000 permanent residents. The supermarket now combines traditional staffing during the day with a remote-controlled solution in the evening and early morning hours.
“This gives us the opportunity to offer customers longer opening hours, while at the same time running the store in a sustainable and safe way,” said SPAR Sæbøvik store manager Bjarne Bjørnevik.
“In addition, this gives our employees a smoother working day with more family-friendly working hours.”
Important for rural areas
SPAR Norway considers partial remote control an important tool for ensuring the future operation of stores in rural areas.
“This type of solution makes it possible to combine a local presence with modern technology. It is a good example of how we can further develop the convenience store without compromising safety or quality,” said Ole Christian Fjeldheim, SPAR Norway chain director. Currently, SPAR Norway operates seven partially remote-controlled stores across the country. The other SPAR stores are: Herøy, Solund, Svingen, Atrå, and Eggedal.
