- Spar in Zug now accepts Bitcoin payments using the Lightning Network and QR code system.
- Over 1,000 Swiss businesses have adopted Bitcoin as a payment method in 2024.
- Spar joins growing Swiss retailers accepting crypto, boosting mainstream Bitcoin usage.
Consumers can now use Bitcoin as a payment method in a grocery store in Zug, Switzerland. The Lightning Network enables Bitcoin payment transactions for grocery shopping through Spar stores in Zug, Switzerland, using their newest checkout system. On April 17, DFX Swiss released confirmation about starting its crypto-to-fiat payment services.
This Spar store is one of the initial Swiss supermarkets to offer Bitcoin checkout capabilities. The payment standard behind this implementation is OpenCryptoPay, an open peer-to-peer standard for crypto transactions made in person. This store’s Bitcoin payment capability is recognized by BTC Map, a community-based directory service.
Payment processes at the register help customers complete transactions with the static QR code scanning method. The payment system diminishes frictional elements better than intricate blockchain methods while performing transactions. University lecturer Rahim Taghizadegan, alongside his role as director at the Bitcoin Association Switzerland, confirmed the user-friendly aspect of the payment method while conducting his testing.
Switzerland Sees Rise in Bitcoin-Friendly Businesses
Switzerland continues to be at the forefront of crypto-advancement among global nations. The crypt payment initiative keeps growing across Switzerland, which allows BTC Map to monitor 1,000 active businesses. Spar selected Bitcoin payment for Zug because the city is located inside the Crypto Valley region, which continues to grow with blockchain activities.
In 2023, Lugano integrated Bitcoin alongside Tether (USDT) to serve as a payment options for municipal taxes. This decision has proven that the adoption of blockchain assets by institutional public payment systems is feasible. Consumer crypto adoption strengthens its momentum because Spar has entered a growing network of retailers that adopt this technology.
Through its worldwide network of 13,900 stores, Spar provides daily shopping services to 14.7 million consumers. The Spar branch in Zug shows how big retail operations should adopt digital currencies into their standard operational processes while maintaining high-quality customer experiences.
Crypto Industry Growth in Switzerland
The blockchain industry around Switzerland continues to show active advancement throughout all sectors. In the early part of 2024, the Crypto Valley reached fifty top regional entities, collectively valued at $593 billion. Research findings show that 17 out of the listed 50 enterprises met the criteria to become unicorns by reaching a market value exceeding $1 billion. Mathias Ruch from CV VC recognized the market expansion as evidence that the Swiss blockchain industries operate with resilience and strategic focus.
The sustained growth demonstrates that private and public organizations will increasingly accept cryptography-based service solutions. Switzerland’s crypto-friendly policies allow Spar and similar retail stores to look for new possible collaboration systems. As a country, Switzerland delivers complete support services and flexible regulatory systems.
