Source: Cointelegraph Original: "{title}"
Global retail giant Spar launches Bitcoin payment service in Switzerland, further expanding the application of cryptocurrency in everyday transactions
A Spar supermarket in Zug, Switzerland has implemented Bitcoin (BTC) payment functionality through the Lightning Network.
According to a LinkedIn post by cryptocurrency payment solution company DFX Swiss on April 17, the supermarket's Bitcoin payment feature is now live on BTC Map. BTC Map is a community-driven project that showcases merchants accepting Bitcoin payments.
DFX stated: "Thanks to our newly launched OpenCryptoPay solution (an open P2P standard for face-to-face crypto payments), this Spar store has become one of the first supermarkets in Switzerland to support customers paying directly at the checkout with Bitcoin (via LNURL)."
Switzerland has long been regarded as one of the most cryptocurrency-friendly jurisdictions in Europe, with some of the earliest cryptocurrency adoption initiatives.
In 2023, the city of Lugano in Switzerland adopted Bitcoin and Tether (USDT) for all municipal payments, becoming one of the first city governments in the world to do so.
According to BTCmap data, there are currently 1,013 stores and businesses in Switzerland that accept Bitcoin payments.
The adoption of Bitcoin payments by global retail giants may enhance mainstream market trust in cryptocurrency payments.
Spar operates over 13,900 stores in 48 countries, serving more than 14.7 million shoppers daily, with a global workforce of 450,000.
Complex user experiences and operational barriers are often seen as major obstacles to the widespread adoption of blockchain technology.
However, according to Rahim Taghizadegan, director of the Swiss Bitcoin Association and university lecturer, Spar's Bitcoin payment implementation can be easily completed by scanning a simple QR code.
In a LinkedIn post on April 16, he detailed the simple process of using Bitcoin payments at Spar:
"Just scan the static QR code, send Bitcoin, and the cashier can easily register it immediately. If enough people use it, this feature could be rolled out nationwide."
He added: "I use the Phoenix wallet for Lightning Network payments, but in fact, other wallets can also be used."
An increasing number of companies are adopting cryptocurrency in Switzerland. According to a report by Cointelegraph on January 21, the Swiss blockchain ecosystem Crypto Valley is expected to surpass a valuation of $593 billion in 2024, a 55% year-on-year increase.
Among 50 regional entities, 17 have reached unicorn status, with valuations of $1 billion or more.
Mathias Ruch, founder and CEO of CV VC, told Cointelegraph: "The top 50 entities in this industry in Switzerland collectively hold a valuation of $593 billion, with a median funding that exceeds the global median, reflecting vision and resilience."
Notable projects in Crypto Valley include Layer 1 (L1) blockchain networks Ethereum, Cardano, and Casper blockchain.
Related: Sygnum: Benefiting from regulatory improvements, altcoins are expected to rise in Q2 2025.
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