- In December, Mystery-Pack vending machines appeared in German Kaufland stores, offering consumer returns at attractive prices.
- The devices will be in 50 Kaufland locations, and eventually the chain plans to introduce them in about 100 stores.
The vending machines offer packages from mail order returns, unclaimed shipments from parcel machines or deemed undeliverable. Inside can be anything from socks to smartphones. Through the window of the machine you can see parcels with blurred addresses, but their contents are still a mystery.
Returns consumer in Kaufland stores. Fun as in scratch-offs
“We are committed to offering customers at our locations an attractive set of services that allow them to do additional errands while shopping. For a long time, we have been expanding our offer of vending machines, such as e.g., photo kiosks, and we also provide entertainment for children with so-called ‘rides’,” – Says Claudia Gurr, senior manager at Kaufland. She adds, “Mystery-Pack vending machines are an interesting addition to our offer. Customers are attracted by the surprise effect, a bit like with scratch cards – except that here there are no empty tickets.”
Mysteru-Pack in Kaufland stores
The Mystery-Pack vending machine made its debut in Höchstadt, Bavaria, where the first Mystery-Pack machine stood. Within a few weeks it had sold as many as 1,500 so-called “return packages.”
Kaufland is working with many companies and individuals on the project. Operators often personally complete the vending machines. The contents of the packages are usually a surprise to them as well – they only carry out random checks and eliminate damaged shipments. However, suppliers guarantee beforehand that the contents meet requirements suitable for minors.
Kaufland is part of the Schwarz Group. We have more than 1,500 stores, operate several meat plants and logistics centers. The team consists of more than 155 000 employees working across Europe. In Poland, it operates 250 stores.
