Brandenburg's digital revolution: How smart stores are changing our stores!

Brandenburg's digital revolution: How smart stores are changing our stores!

In Brandenburg, the discussion about fully automated sales points is becoming increasingly lively. Occupational Safety and Health Minister Britta Müller has announced that she will start a specialist exchange with districts and independent cities in September to discuss the rules and possibilities of these new forms of sales. This was announced in the state parliament and shows how seriously the state government is taking the issue. Loud Meeting point Brandenburg Sales outlets in Brandenburg can be open around the clock from Monday to Saturday and they can also open their doors on up to six Sundays or public holidays a year - a generous framework that could be particularly useful in rural regions.

The SPD/BSW coalition has already signaled its openness to exceptions to the opening of small digital supermarkets. Müller emphasizes that it is important to find solutions, especially for rural areas, in order to prevent supply bottlenecks. Your plans are supported by the SPD deputy parliamentary group leader Nadine Graßmel, who also supports exceptions for sales boxes, such as Daily Mirror reported.

Reactions from the economy

The Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK) have meanwhile viewed the initiatives planned by Müller and her team as a big step, but emphasize that the existing shop opening law needs to be revised. An outdated law can jeopardize the competitiveness of retailers in times of crisis. As the IHK emphasizes, modern business models are necessary – similar to the approach in Bavaria and Hesse. This could strengthen the local economy like the Hesse Trade Association underlined.

One aspect that is widely discussed is the need for innovation in retail. Sven Rohde, general manager of the Hesse Trade Association, says that fully automated and staffless sales outlets play an essential role in local supply - especially in rural areas. They could also help address the acute shortage of skilled workers in retail. However, the way must also be paved for permanent opening on Sundays and public holidays the trade association clarifies.

The political debate

There is also resistance in the political debate: the state parliament rejected a proposal from the CDU that wanted to increase the number of permitted Sunday openings to ten. This is met with fresh opposition from CDU economic politicians who are campaigning for more room for maneuver for retailers. The AfD parliamentary group leader Hans-Christoph Berndt uses the opportunity to question the CDU regarding its Christian values.

The question therefore remains as to how the discussion surrounding fully automated sales points in Brandenburg will develop. However, with a clear focus on progress, the upcoming talks in September are expected to bring landmark decisions for the future of trade in the region.