Self-service shops gain ground in Danish cities

Self-service shops, long a feature of roadside stalls and farm stores, are now spreading in urban areas across Denmark, reports DR.

In recent years, flower shops have begun leaving plants and blooms outside their premises around the clock, allowing customers to purchase pots of dahlias or lavender after hours. In Ringe on Funen, a self-service store offers dog food and treats, while in Skt. Klemens in southern Odense, Kohavegaard Ismejeri has opened a new self-service ice cream kiosk, providing access to cold treats outside regular opening times.

Johnny Nielsen, co-owner of Kohavegaard Ismejeri, says the concept has proven successful. The dairy already operates a similar kiosk in Assens, and the newest addition in Skt. Klemens has seen exceptional demand this summer.

“This season has been exceptionally good. We can’t keep up—neither with restocking nor with making ice cream. We’re actually running at a loss right now,” Nielsen said.

He cites significant savings on labour costs as the primary advantage, though he acknowledges the risk of customers taking more than they pay for. So far, however, there is no evidence of that happening.

“The downside is, of course, that people might take more than they should. But up to now, we haven’t seen any sign of that,” Nielsen said.

Based on the current success, he expects to expand the self-service model with more kiosks next season.

Søren Askegaard, professor of consumer studies at the University of Southern Denmark, says the model relies on mutual trust—a trait deeply embedded in Danish and Nordic culture. He notes that while trust is a key factor, the high cost of labour in Denmark also makes the concept economically viable.

“There’s a business model here: labour is perceived as very expensive, and if you can cut personnel costs, it can absorb a certain level of loss,” Askegaard said.