Nine of ten Dutch supermarket registers are self-service amid retail automation surge
Self-checkout has become the dominant payment method in Dutch supermarkets, with the vast majority of registers now automated. The trend continues to grow, driven by customer convenience and retailer efficiency, De Telegraaf reported.
John Kolthof, commercial director at CCV, which processes payments in 500,000 stores across Europe, said, “Nine out of ten cash registers in supermarkets are now self-service. We are rolling out self-checkout systems in a large drugstore chain, and convenience stores at gas stations are also getting self-scanning registers.”
CCV handles 9 billion euros in payments monthly, with self-checkout transactions rising sharply. Kolthof added, “The increase shows no signs of stopping.”
Dutch retailers emphasize that staffed registers remain available. An Albert Heijn spokesperson confirmed that all stores offer manned checkout. Jumbo reported that four out of ten registers are staffed and highlighted 200 “chat registers” for customers who enjoy conversation while paying.
Automation is also expanding into other sectors such as unmanned gyms and highway convenience stores. Kolthof noted Belgian villages with fully automated supermarkets as an example.
In addition, CCV and the startup BeerMate have installed beer vending machines in stadiums and concert halls in Europe, including Hertha BSC in Berlin and Fortuna Düsseldorf. Dennis de Laat, BeerMate partner and COO, said, “In a football stadium, the revenue must be generated within a fifteen-minute halftime. Both operators and customers value speed. A machine delivers a properly poured, ice-cold beer in twelve seconds and can fit under a staircase, unlike a bar.”
