Wanzl realises autonomous V-Mini with bakery concept in a V-Baumarkt store (Germany)
Innovative approach to revitalising the space and improving customer loyalty in DIY stores
Catering concepts, especially bakeries, have long been complementing the standard range in DIY stores. However, they, too, are struggling with the growing shortage of staff. That is why Georg Jos. Kaes GmbH's first V-Baumarkt store to be located outside of Bavaria, which opened in Aalen in the German region of Swabia in October 2024, is relying on an innovative approach from Wanzl, the expert for customised solutions in the retail sector: Instead of a bakery, an autonomous V-Mini store with BakeOff is supplying customers. In addition to coffee and baked goods, which are cooked fresh each day, many other items for everyday use are also available.
Everything customers need for DIY and household essentials
For amateur and professional tradespeople in Aalen and the surrounding area, the new V-Baumarkt store is the first point of call with its wide product line, expert advice and diverse range of services. In the 10,000 m2 sales area, they will find a full range of tools, building materials and garden supplies, interior design products, paint and wood, as well as electrical and decorative items and pet food. In addition, the V-Baumarkt store can cover local supply needs and household essentials thanks to the V-Mini store, which is linked directly to the main store. “Bakery areas used to be located outside of the DIY store's entrance. Our goal was to revitalise this space and offer our customers a unique extra for a comprehensive shopping experience. From the outset, we found Wanzl’s concept of integrating a V-Mini as a semi-autonomous convenience store extremely exciting,” says Sales Manager Thomas Richter. A special feature that also offers further added value: Customers can shop in the V-Mini between 6.30 a.m. and 11 p.m. This means that the V-Baumarkt will also be available to customers outside its opening hours of Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thomas Richter explains: “With its large number of apartments, the location in Aal-Carré is perfect for the currently unique combination of V-Baumarkt and V-Mini. It is a practical port of call for the neighbourhood for quick everyday purchases, a delicious coffee or freshly baked goods, while, at the same time, raising the profile of our DIY store.”
Convenient, fast and innovative shopping
Wanzl’s overall solution expertise was needed, from planning and almost all of the shop fittings to implementation and commissioning, including project management and service. Within four weeks, the retail expert presented their 24/7 concept for the V-Baumarkt store in Aalen, which then only took twelve weeks to complete. “We deliver everything from a single source and work closely with the customer to achieve the best individual result as quickly as possible,” says Christoph Kübel, Key Account Manager for Digital and Access Solutions at Wanzl. Since the V-Mini is staff-free, the entire purchasing process is intuitive and barrier-free. Customers log in at a terminal using their debit or credit card. Once the door has opened and the customer has passed through a Wanzl ColourGate, they can then move freely around the store, remove their goods from the wire tech 100 shelves or the WSL Refrigeration refrigerators or use the BakeOff display with coffee station. “For many DIY store customers, coffee, pastries or a fresh pretzel are simply part of the shopping experience. This has since become embedded among customers and is even expected to a certain extent. That’s why the BakeOff is at the heart of the V-Mini, as it is kind of like the successor to a traditional bakery,” explains Christoph Kübel. Two self-checkout terminals are available for cashless payment. Before leaving the store, all you have to do is scan your receipt at another Wanzl ColourGate. The processes are controlled and monitored centrally via the cloud-based wanzl connect® software platform.
A future concept for DIY stores
The innovative self-service model holds a great deal of potential for DIY stores. On the one hand, it counteracts current challenges in retail, in particular staff shortages, and on the other hand, it can sustainably strengthen awareness of the company’s own brand and improve customer retention. “This efficient solution is attractive for every self-employed baker and butcher, and also for DIY stores that are struggling to profitably integrate additional offers such as bakeries, butchers or other catering services,” says Christoph Kübel, with Thomas Richter backing up his statements: “So far, we have been completely satisfied with the sales from the V-Mini. Wanzl has proven to be a reliable and creative partner. In the Baumarkt store itself, we also rely on Wanzl products, such as shopping trolleys and the exit gates for the self-checkout zone. And with the autonomous V-Mini, we have jointly created a future-oriented option for shopping in DIY stores.”
