Food vending machines from Aldi and Rewe: a new trend in retail

In the rapidly changing world of retail, Aldi and Rewe are testing innovative concepts to make shopping more convenient and accessible. Food vending machines that offer fresh products around the clock are one such approach.

• Diverse range: Fresh food and staple foods straight from the vending machine.
• Convenient access: Strategic placement in easily accessible locations.
• Pilot projects: First vending machines already in operation, further locations planned.

Shopping around the clock

Aldi Süd and Rewe have recognized that flexibility and accessibility are decisive factors for modern shopping. The food vending machines allow customers to buy fresh products at any time, regardless of store opening hours.

These vending machines are particularly useful for people with irregular working hours or for spontaneous shopping outside normal business hours. This is according to the WirtschaftsWoche report.

Anyone who orders via the mein-aldi.de website or the corresponding app can then collect the goods the next day or within five working days. These stations are around seven meters long and three meters wide and offer refrigeration to keep fresh food fresh.

The vending machines have been available for test purposes in Düsseldorf and Mühlheim an der Ruhr since mid-July. Orders can be collected from Aldi Süd between 3:15 pm and 9 pm. The order must be worth at least 20 euros.

Strategic placement

In order to offer the greatest possible benefit, the vending machines are placed in strategically favorable locations. This includes both urban and rural areas, with a particular focus on commuter hubs, residential areas and areas with limited access to supermarkets. This placement ensures that the vending machines are easily accessible to a wide range of customers and maximizes their reach.

The vending machines are part of the Click & Collect system that Rewe already offers in its own 1,800 or so locations. However, there are currently only 16 pick-up machines at Rewe, which – unlike at Aldi – can be used around the clock.

“The stations are another way of giving customers more flexibility when shopping. Especially in city centers, where there is not enough space for a REWE store with a pick-up service, the format of the pick-up stations is ideal,” says a Rewe spokesperson.

Conclusion

The food vending machines from Aldi and Rewe are an exciting example of how technological innovations can change the retail sector. They offer a convenient solution for everyday shopping and increase the accessibility of fresh food without waiting times and queues. While there are still some challenges to overcome, the results so far are promising.