Hungary’s first hybrid smart store officially opened on Thursday in Szeged’s Saint Stephen Square. Operated by Coop Szeged Ltd, the store functions with traditional customer service during standard business hours and switches to fully automated, staff-free operation at night.
At the opening, Coop Szeged CEO János Kelemen said the goal from the outset was to modernize the decades-old store in a cost-efficient way that would allow for extended opening hours. The revamped 150-square-metre store now offers around 4,000 products to customers.
Developed in partnership with tech firm Laurel Ltd, the system stands out by granting customers access to the full product range even outside regular hours—unlike many automated store models that limit nighttime selection.
In automated mode, customers access the shop via a mobile app. After registering, users can enter by scanning a dynamically refreshing QR code, which unlocks the door to the camera-monitored store. Shoppers then select products as in a conventional store and pay at self-checkout counters using their bank cards. Exiting the store also requires a QR scan.
Though the store currently only accepts card payments at night, Kelemen confirmed they’re prepared to enable cash transactions if regulations require it in the future.
He emphasized that while the store uses a camera system for safety, it does not employ facial recognition—only motion analysis to detect suspicious activity. Shoppers can also instantly contact support via an in-app button.
Advanced tech supports the entire store experience. A smart scale recognizes fruits and vegetables, restocking is partly automated, and logistics ensure that fresh baked goods are available even overnight.
Kelemen added that if the concept proves popular, the company plans to roll out the hybrid model in more locations. It could be especially beneficial in smaller towns where limited foot traffic makes extended hours hard to justify with traditional staffing.
Laurel Ltd owner István Bessenyei said their system took two years to develop and is scalable for larger stores. It can also be deployed in as few as 2–8 modular container units, making rapid deployment possible.
Founded in 1999, Coop Szeged took over the operations of the former Dél-Tisza ÁFÉSZ cooperative. As a member of the nationwide Coop chain, the company currently operates 41 stores across 23 towns in Csongrád–Csanád County. Beyond grocery sales, it also offers stationery, toys, hospitality services, and property rentals.
According to publicly available business records, the company employed nearly 500 people and generated net sales revenue of 13.89 billion forints in 2023—up 9 per cent from the previous year. Its after-tax profit was 363 million forints in 2023, down from 482 million in 2022.
Related articles:
