The world of shopping just got a digital upgrade in Switzerland. Major supermarket chain Manor has opened its doors to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This means shoppers can now grab their groceries and pay with digital coins instead of traditional money.
Manor teamed up with Worldline, a payment company, to make this happen. The new system works in all 59 Manor stores across Switzerland. Customers simply scan a QR code at checkout and pay using their crypto wallet. The store then gets the payment in Swiss francs, so they don’t have to worry about handling actual cryptocurrency.
This isn’t just about buying bread and milk with Bitcoin. The change represents something bigger happening in our world. Regular businesses are starting to see cryptocurrency as real money, not just some internet trend.
“We’re seeing crypto move from the internet into everyday life,” says Marco Stalder from Worldline. “People want to use their digital assets in regular stores, and now they can.”
Switzerland has become a friendly place for crypto users. The country even has an area called “Crypto Valley” in the canton of Zug where many blockchain companies have set up shop. The Swiss government has created clear rules about using cryptocurrency, which makes businesses more comfortable accepting it.
Manor isn’t alone in this crypto-friendly approach. Other Swiss retailers like Digitec Galaxus have been taking Bitcoin payments since 2019. Around the world, companies including Microsoft, PayPal, and Starbucks now accept cryptocurrency in some form.
For shoppers, using crypto at the supermarket offers several benefits. Transactions happen quickly and securely. There’s no need to share personal banking information. Plus, for people who have invested in cryptocurrency, this gives them a way to actually use their digital assets instead of just holding them.
But challenges still exist. Cryptocurrency prices can change dramatically from one day to the next. This makes some stores nervous about accepting it. That’s why partners like Worldline are important – they handle the conversion to regular money, removing the risk for retailers.
Some experts believe this is just the beginning. “When mainstream stores accept crypto, it helps normalize its use,” explains financial analyst Sophia Chen. “It creates a cycle where more people feel comfortable buying and using digital currencies.”
For everyday shoppers who haven’t used cryptocurrency before, this development might seem confusing. But Manor is making the process simple. Customers don’t need special knowledge – just a crypto wallet app on their phone. The store staff have been trained to help people use the new payment option.
The timing is interesting too. Bitcoin’s price has been climbing in recent months, bringing renewed attention to cryptocurrencies. By accepting crypto payments now, Manor positions itself as forward-thinking in the eyes of tech-savvy customers.
Environmental concerns about cryptocurrency mining have been raised in recent years. However, many crypto projects are working to reduce their energy usage. Manor hasn’t specifically addressed this aspect of accepting cryptocurrency payments.
What does this mean for the future of shopping? We might see more stores following Manor’s example. As cryptocurrency becomes easier to use and more widely accepted, the line between digital and traditional money continues to blur.
For now, Swiss shoppers have one more way to pay for their groceries. Whether buying cheese, chocolate, or cleaning supplies, they can now do it with Bitcoin. It’s a small step for a supermarket chain, but perhaps a giant leap for cryptocurrency adoption in everyday life.
