A Spar supermarket in Switzerland’s crypto hub Zug now accepts Bitcoin payments through the Lightning Network

Global grocery retailer Spar has enabled Bitcoin payments at a store in Zug, Switzerland, using the Lightning Network for fast transactions. This move comes as over 1,000 Swiss businesses now accept cryptocurrency, testing Bitcoin’s viability as a daily payment method rather than just a store of value.

The implementation uses DFX Swiss’s OpenCryptoPay solution, allowing customers to complete purchases by scanning a simple QR code. Rahim Taghizadegan of Bitcoin Association Switzerland confirmed the seamless experience: “Just scan, send sats, and it’s done immediately. If adoption grows, this could expand nationwide.”

Switzerland continues to lead in crypto adoption, with Lugano accepting Bitcoin for municipal fees since 2023 and Crypto Valley’s valuation surpassing $593 billion. As a major global chain with 13,900 stores, Spar’s move could influence broader retail acceptance if successful.

The real test will be whether consumers actually choose to pay with Bitcoin given its price volatility and the convenience of traditional options. With Bitcoin trading at $84,504 at time of writing, down 1.2% on the day, the experiment may reveal how much practical utility the cryptocurrency holds beyond speculation.

This development follows growing institutional interest in Bitcoin ETFs and comes as analysts debate whether Bitcoin’s price movements are now more tied to fiat liquidity than its traditional halving cycles. Spar’s adoption could provide real-world data on cryptocurrency’s spending velocity versus its hoarding mentality.