Global grocery retailer Spar has embraced cryptocurrency at the retail level, enabling customers at one of its stores in Zug, Switzerland, to pay using Bitcoin via the Lightning Network. This development marks another step toward practical crypto adoption in one of Europe’s most blockchain-forward regions.
The announcement was confirmed on April 17 by DFX Swiss, the firm behind OpenCryptoPay—a payment solution built on the LNURL protocol. OpenCryptoPay enables peer-to-peer crypto transactions in person, allowing customers to scan a static QR code at checkout and pay with Bitcoin instantly.
“First Bitcoin payment at a supermarket in Switzerland – Spar in Zug, impressive implementation by DFX_swiss,” wrote Austrian professor Rahim Taghizadegan.
“Just scan a static QR code, send sats, immediate and easy registration by the cashier. If enough people use it, it may be rolled out in the whole country.”
The Zug store is among the first Spar locations in Switzerland to pilot this functionality, reinforcing the city’s nickname: “Crypto Valley.” The update was also highlighted on BTC Map, a crowdsourced tool tracking merchants worldwide that accept Bitcoin—showcasing how community-led platforms are accelerating real-world crypto utility.
Swiss Retailers Accelerate Real-World Crypto Adoption
Switzerland has long been at the forefront of crypto innovation, with support from both government and private sectors. Cities like Zug and Lugano have actively embraced blockchain-based payments, helping the country become a global standard-bearer for digital asset regulation and use.
In 2023, Lugano became one of the first cities globally to accept Bitcoin and Tether (USDT) for municipal payments. Zug, meanwhile, now counts over 1,000 merchants accepting Bitcoin, according to BTC Map—highlighting how retail adoption continues to flourish.
Crypto Valley remains a hotspot for blockchain development, housing more than 50 top-tier projects. Seventeen of them have reached unicorn status, with valuations exceeding $1 billion—a testament to the maturity of Switzerland’s digital asset ecosystem. CV VC founder and CEO Mathias Ruch attributes the trend to “vision and resilience,” noting that Crypto Valley’s funding medians consistently outperform global norms.
Some of the most influential blockchain projects—including Ethereum, Cardano, and Casper—trace their roots to Zug. The addition of global brands like Spar to the city’s crypto ecosystem strengthens Switzerland’s role as a launchpad for mainstream crypto use.
Spar operates over 13,900 stores in 48 countries, serving nearly 15 million daily customers. Its move to accept Bitcoin in Zug could serve as a blueprint for broader adoption—helping normalize decentralized payments among traditional consumers and global retailers.
Quick Facts
- A Spar supermarket in Zug now accepts Bitcoin via Lightning
- The checkout system uses DFX Swiss’s OpenCryptoPay platform
- Zug hosts over 1,000 merchants that accept Bitcoin
- Retail crypto payments are rising alongside global adoption trends
