Bitcoin set to be accepted at all savings supermarkets across Switzerland
In a groundbreaking move, Spar supermarkets are set to become the first major supermarket chain to accept cryptocurrency payments comprehensively. The news, announced recently, reveals that Bitcoin payments will soon be activated in all Spar supermarkets across Switzerland, with the Spar in Kreuzlingen already accepting Bitcoin for transactions.
A video demonstration showcases the smooth Bitcoin payment process in Spar supermarkets. Customers simply need to scan a static QR code at the cash register, which links to an address or invoice, to complete their purchase using Bitcoin via Lightning using LNURL. The service provider handling these payments is Open Crypto Pay, an "open, license-free standard for P2P crypto payments on all blockchains and with all crypto assets."
Open Crypto Pay offers merchants an API interface to DFX, a Swiss crypto broker that works with various cryptocurrencies. However, the video does not mention whether DFX or any other crypto broker is involved in the Bitcoin payments at Spar supermarkets.
The service also works with a variety of Bitcoin wallets, including Cake Wallet, and Metamask (Metamask is listed as "Coming Soon"). Cake Wallet, known for supporting a vast number of cryptocurrencies besides Bitcoin and Monero, is expected to further facilitate the widespread adoption of Bitcoin in retail.
Spar supermarkets in Germany have also joined the cryptocurrency revolution, with the first stores now accepting Bitcoin, Monero, and other cryptocurrencies for payments. The company providing payment processing for these transactions in the first Spar supermarkets in Switzerland is Worldline.
While the Spar in Kreuzlingen accepts Bitcoin, it also welcomes payments with Monero, Ethereum, USDC, USDT, and other coins. Spar supermarkets do not specify whether other cryptocurrencies will be accepted via Lightning, leaving the possibility of further expansion open for the future.
This implementation of cryptocurrency payments in Spar supermarkets could be a significant step towards mainstream adoption of digital currencies in retail. As more businesses adopt this technology, customers may find it increasingly convenient to use cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases.
