Packaging-free shopping is not very common in Germany, although many people are generally open to it. This emerges from a representative Yougov survey published today. According to this, only 22 percent of consumers have ever shopped in an unpackaged store.
The permanent customer base is significantly smaller. Only five percent say that they often shop in such stores. 43 percent can imagine it, but have not yet done it. 30 percent don’t want to shop there. According to the study, women and people under 45 are somewhat more open to the concept. Unpackaged stores are enjoying greater popularity in Switzerland. One in three people shop there often or regularly.
Unpackaged shops are fighting for their existence
Unpackaged stores sell numerous food items as well as cosmetics and cleaning products. Visitors can fill the goods into containers that they bring with them. This means packaging can be saved. 70 percent of those surveyed in Germany believe that the concept has a future because it can help reduce waste. The study provides two clues as to why so few people shop there regularly: one in two people think the products are too expensive and only 23 percent know that such a store is near them.
In Germany, many unpackaged shops are fighting for their existence. According to figures from the industry association, 35 stores nationwide had already closed and only 5 had opened in 2023 by the end of October. Last year, 70 stores were closed and 44 were added. There are 275 unpackaged stores nationwide, including branches with association membership.
