Lekkerland, the convenience division of Rewe Group, proves the maturity of its smart box concept based on AiFi technology with key figures from the 24/7 high-frequency operation at Frankfurt Airport. At the EHI TechDays, Klaus Albus, Project Manager POS Digitisation at Lekkerland, presented the performance data of the store operated under Rewe To Go banner: “The store at the airport runs stably, customer satisfaction is high, shrinkage and vandalism are minimal – the concept works.”
Since its opening in summer 2025, the store has achieved high passenger footfall and is frequently used by airport employees, reports Klaus Albus. The store concept with AiFi technology is to be used as the third national rollout format of Lekkerland’s Smart Store initiative – alongside Smart Kiosk and Smart Shop.
Lekkerland already tested the autonomous store concept – internally called Smart Box – with AiFi technology on its own premises in Frechen in 2023 – The Retail Optimiser reported. In addition to the pilot at Frankfurt Airport, which opened in summer, Lekkerland has been operating another publicly accessible store with AiFi technology at the EnBW fast-charging park at Kamener Kreuz for around a year – The Retail Optimiser reported.
Four concepts, different levels of maturity
While Lekkerland continues to develop its autonomous Smart Box stores with just-walk-out technology from Californian provider AiFi, Rewe Group is relying on the Pick & Go solution from Israeli technology company Trigo. Customers of the Cologne-based retailer will be able to shop in several Rewe stores based on Trigo technology in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich completely without scanning. However, this does not work without friction.
The Smart Box concept is just one of four smart store initiatives that Lekkerland is testing and developing in parallel. In addition to the Smart Box, the portfolio includes Smart Kiosk with self-checkout, Smart Shop with intelligent fridges and vending machines and the Smart Automat with robot-assisted picking.
Custom-built autonomous store formats
All concepts share key features: Stores are unmanned, open around the clock, optimised for small spaces, equipped with ready-to-eat assortments and operate cashless. Lekkerland does not pursue a one-size-fits-all approach, but adapts store type, product range and technology specifically to the location – whether it is a railway station, airport, hospital or charging park. While Smart Kiosk and Smart Shop are already being rolled out, Smart Box is now reaching maturity and will enter the rollout phase from the beginning of 2026, explains Klaus Albus.
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Computer vision without weight sensors
Shoppers can check in at the Smart Box at Frankfurt Airport around the clock, remove products and simply leave the store again. AiFi ‘s technology relies entirely on computer vision and does not use weight sensors. Customers at the airport store are automatically debited the purchase amount from the means of payment previously registered at the entrance. Lekkerland deliberately keeps the prices of its goods low: half a litre of water costs 1.19 Euros in the airport store instead of 3.50 Euros as at many airport competitors, explains Klaus Albus.
Lekkerland’s Smart Box in Terminal 1 at Frankfurt Airport offers shoppers a range of around 570 SKUs, including fresh sandwiches, salads, drinks, coffee, ice cream, snacks and selected drugstore and travel essentials such as charging cables and toothbrushes. “Our merchandisers regularly check the stock, replenish products and ensure that the product range is always complete and attractively presented,” explains Klaus Albus.
Autonomous formats to combat staff shortages
The pilot at Frankfurt Airport shows Lekkerland how autonomous technologies can contribute to the convenience store business. “We can see that technology and customer experience work together perfectly – this allows us to reliably serve highly frequented locations and compensate for staff shortages at the same time,” explains Klaus Albus. On this basis, Lekkerland is developing further autonomous formats – including a hybrid petrol station store that is manned during the day and runs completely autonomously at night.
