Swiss retail giant Spar fully launches Crypto Assets payments, supporting over 100 types of coins.

Source: DigitalToday Original Title: Shopping with Bitcoin… Swiss supermarket chain Spar introduces cryptocurrency payments Original Link: https://www.digitaltoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=609237 Swiss large retail company Spar has started to support Bitcoin (BTC) and cryptocurrency payments in its nationwide stores.

The service is provided through Spar's new mobile app, supporting over 100 cryptocurrencies as payment methods.

DFX Swiss announced via social media that Spar has integrated the OpenCryptoPay system into its app. This marks the first nationwide implementation of cryptocurrency payments in the Swiss grocery industry.

This expansion was carried out with the support of DFX Swiss and a leading payment platform after several months of pilot programs. Through this test, Spar assessed customer engagement and operational stability, and subsequently decided to promote the service nationwide.

The initial pilot program started in Zug, where Spar's regional stores first accepted Bitcoin through the Lightning Network via OpenCryptoPay. After receiving positive feedback, Spar subsequently conducted tests at their Kreuzlingen store, gaining confidence in system expansion.

In August, Spar collaborated with a leading payment platform to expand its support to include over 100 cryptocurrencies, including euro (EUR) and US dollar (USD) backed stablecoins. Customers using this payment platform can transact without paying gas fees, simplifying the payment process. Spar's CEO André Scherrer stated at the time that cryptocurrency payments could reduce merchant fees by up to two-thirds compared to traditional card payments.

Spar's recent expansion aligns with the trend of increased actual use of cryptocurrency in Switzerland. According to BTC Map data, there are currently over 800 businesses in Switzerland accepting Bitcoin as a means of payment, reflecting the region's ongoing support for digital currencies.

Cities like Zug and Lugano are leading this trend. Zug allowed taxes to be paid with Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2021, while Lugano began accepting Bitcoin and USDT for municipal services starting in 2023. These initiatives are making Switzerland a cryptocurrency hub in Europe.