Global grocery chain Spar has taken a major step toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption by introducing Bitcoin-based payments at one of its Swiss locations. The store, located in Zug—a city often dubbed “Crypto Valley”—has enabled customers to pay for their groceries using Bitcoin via the Lightning Network.
According to an April 17 announcement by DFX Swiss, a company specializing in crypto-to-fiat payment solutions, the Zug Spar is one of the first supermarkets in Switzerland where customers can directly pay at checkout using Bitcoin through a solution called OpenCryptoPay. This system relies on LNURL, a protocol enabling quick and seamless crypto payments.
The store is now listed on BTC Map, a community-driven platform tracking businesses that accept Bitcoin. Rahim Taghizadegan, a university lecturer and director of Bitcoin Association Switzerland, praised the ease of the payment process in a LinkedIn post, noting that customers can simply scan a QR code to pay and receive instant confirmation.
Switzerland continues to build its reputation as a crypto-friendly hub in Europe. In 2023, the city of Lugano began accepting Bitcoin and Tether (USDt) for all municipal fees. According to BTCmap, more than 1,000 businesses in Switzerland currently accept Bitcoin.
Spar’s move could help normalize cryptocurrency usage among everyday shoppers, particularly given the brand’s massive global footprint—operating over 13,900 stores in 48 countries and serving over 14.7 million customers daily.
Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Crypto Valley continues to thrive, boasting a combined valuation of $593 billion across its top 50 blockchain entities. Notable projects like Ethereum, Cardano, and Casper call the region home. Of these, 17 companies have achieved unicorn status.
As businesses like Spar adopt crypto-friendly policies, experts believe frictionless payment experiences may further drive consumer interest. “If enough people use it, it may be rolled out in the whole country,” Taghizadegan added.
