ORLEN opens first Smart Container store in Berlin

Innovative “Grab & Go” concept offers a fully digital shopping experience at star station.

ORLEN Deutschland has launched its first Smart Container at a star station in Berlin, marking the launch of a new store concept. The 9 x 3 meter unit, with a total sales area of 18 m2, temporarily replaces the traditional shop at the site until the planned Smart Store in the former station building is completed. 

Customers enter the ORLEN Smart Container using a debit or credit card, select their items, and simply leave. Payment is processed automatically via the card used at entry, no scanning or checkout staff required. The product range includes tobacco, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, confectionery, car accessories, and hot drinks.

“We offer our customers a modern shopping experience that seamlessly fits into their daily lives—independent of checkout times and staff availability. At the same time, we are gathering valuable insights for the further rollout of our Smart Container concept, helping us drive the transformation of our sites step by step,” said Torsten Rieger, Executive Director Commercial Retail at ORLEN Deutschland GmbH.

Highly sensitive shelf sensors combined with AI-powered cameras track every product movement, creating a virtual shopping basket that is charged automatically upon exit. Age-restricted products like alcohol and tobacco are released only after secure ID or driver’s license verification.

The Berlin Smart Container will serve as an interim solution until the on-site shop is redeveloped, expected by October 2025. After that, the mobile container will be relocated to ORLEN’s upcoming e-charging hub in Elmshorn.