Rimi self-service store in Estonia

Rimi is part of the ICA Gruppen, a leading retail company in Scandinavia. Rimi operates in the Baltic states (Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia) and is one of the largest supermarket chains in the region. ICA Gruppen is based in Sweden and owns several grocery brands across Northern Europe.

Rimi has introduced its first self-service, employee-free concept store in the heart of Tallinn's Noblessner district. Known as Rimi Express, this store is a trailblazer in sustainable and innovative retail, constructed from environmentally friendly wood materials and covering 32 square meters.

Project Overview

To meet modern consumer demands for speed and convenience, BISS collaborated with Rimi to deliver an automated shopping experience through the following key features.

• Customers gain entry by scanning their bank card at the entrance, after which the doors automatically open.
• Customers independently select and scan from a curated assortment of around 600 essential items, including packaged fruits, vegetables, ready-made meals, snacks, drinks, hygiene products, and cooking ingredients. Alcohol, tobacco, and items requiring weighing are not available.
• The entire process is cashless, with purchases completed at self-service checkouts using a bank card.
• BISS installed cutting-edge controllers, seamlessly integrated with the store's POS terminal and entry system, ensuring a smooth flow of customers.
• An automated people-counting system regulates store capacity, maintaining safety by monitoring the number of shoppers inside and controlling access when capacity is reached.
• Customers who do not make a purchase can easily exit the store by pressing an exit button, streamlining the experience.

Sustainability and Innovation

The store’s environmentally friendly wooden structure underscores Rimi commitment to sustainability, combining a forward-thinking retail model with green building principles.

Pilot Project and Future Expansion

This store represents Rimi first step in the employee-free store concept, serving as a pilot project in Estonia. The success of this project has led to plans for expansion, with the second Rimi self-service store set to open at the Rimi Olympic Center in Latvia.

Facts & Figures

• Location: Noblessner district, Tallinn, Estonia
• Store Size: 32 square meters
• Product Range: 600 everyday essentials
• Installation Year: 2023