A small wooden tub-shaped structure has been decorating the Neuhegi industrial area in Winterthur ZH since Thursday. The orange M logo draws attention as there has been no supermarket in the district until now.
Teo is the name of Migros’ new vending machine shop. An import from Germany from the local organic supermarket chain Tegut, which has been owned by the Migros Zurich cooperative for nearly ten years.
Migros promises to shop 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But how is this possible without sales staff?
Migros had initial experiences at the first Teo pilot location in Bürglen TG, the first Teo pilot location that was “truly overrun” by customers, according to Migros spokesperson Silke Seichter. “We noticed that some of the technical details in the different systems built into Teo were not compatible with each other,” explains Seichter. These deficiencies have now been corrected.
Easy access with Cumulus card
Seichter says it’s important for customers to get into Teo as easily as possible. “Anyone with a debit, credit or Cumulus card can present it as a badge at the entrance and the door will open.”
This serves to identify the customer. Video cameras and sensors track every step Blick learns during a test. Payment is made at the automatic payment machine. Seichter: “Very little is stolen in our branches. We trust our customers.»
In case of theft, materials from security cameras will be considered. In addition, a person in the control center monitors the screens and activates the alarm.
Emergency button protects customers
In the cold season, night owls may be attracted to the heated Teo. “There are motion detectors with alarm function. But the alarm will only be triggered if you don’t move for a long time.” Seichter says customers don’t need to worry if they linger in front of a shelf for a while.
In case someone needs help, there is an emergency button at the entrance. According to Seichter, you can contact the security guard at headquarters after pressing it. “Teo also has a sound meter. In the event of an attack or fight involving shouting, the meter will sound the alarm.” After the check on the monitor, the security guard at the control center can immediately alert the police. I hope that doesn’t happen, says Seichter, for more Teo stores to open.