Kaufland Bulgaria Goes All-Out for Self-Checkout Technology: Expansion Plans and Innovative Solutions

Kaufland Bulgaria is investing heavily in self-checkout technology, with over BGN 1 million earmarked for the project. The retailer has already introduced six self-service checkouts at its Pernik – Hristo Smirnenski outlet and 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. Over 30% of Kaufland’s 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.