What: A new generation of supermarket is sweeping over Europe.

Why it is important: Disruption is not always coming from fashionable topics (AI) or big guns (Shein). Retailers need to be on the permanent lookout.

Rohlik, a Czech online grocery company founded in 2014, distinguishes itself in the European market by offering a diverse range of products and services. Operating under different names in Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, and Romania, Rohlik focuses on providing a combination of services akin to Tesco, Whole Foods, local butchers and bakers, coffee shops, pharmacies, and toy shops. The company prioritizes expansion in Germany, where it has already established a strong presence in Munich and Frankfurt and recently acquired the Berlin-based delivery service Bringmeister.

CEO Tomáš Čupr highlights Rohlik's profitability and competitive pricing, setting it apart from quick commerce players that struggle with economics and customer loyalty. Unlike these companies, which offer limited assortments, Rohlik provides a comprehensive range of about 17,000 items, covering everything from dry food and local delicacies to household and pet products. While it doesn't promise ten-minute delivery times, Rohlik ensures efficient logistics and quick delivery, often within an hour, through automated distribution centers powered by custom-developed software and robotics.

With a disruptive retail concept, online supermarket Rohlik moves into Europe