SWEDEN: An efficient Co‐op retail system provides know‐how for cash register marketing Available to Purchase

Hugin Kassaregister is probably unique in cash register companies in that it has a retailer for its parent company — the Swedish Co‐op organisation KF. And moreover, the Swedish Co‐op has been regarded for decades as being the most efficient Co‐op in Europe. Currently, Konsum (which manages the retail co‐op operations), against a background of recession and a recent general strike in Sweden, is pausing for breath while it plans its future — especially in terms of areas of diversification and the relationship of the retail societies to KF itself. A close association exists between the retail Co‐op societies and Hugin, which benefits greatly from Co‐op retail expertise. Producing a wide range of machines from low‐range to sophisticated POS systems, the company's future strategy in terms of product development will be in the food market. Edward McFadyen reports on a recent trip to Sweden.