Sylt discusses: Is cashless payment the future of shopping?
A new business on Sylt is discussing cashless payments. Reactions are mixed - from support to rejection.

Sylt discusses: Is cashless payment the future of shopping?
On the popular island of Sylt, a new cash-free store is causing heated discussions among locals and tourists. With the slogan “We are different,” the store aims not only to modernize the shopping experience but also to challenge consumers' habits. But the reactions on social networks are diverse and clearly show how polarized the topic is.
Some users express anger or irritation about the cashless concept. One commentator sums it up: He can no longer imagine shopping under these conditions. Ironic comments describe the bizarre situation in which you select goods when entering the store, only to be surprised by the cashless rule when paying. Critics see the new payment method as an unnecessary hurdle, while others praise the courage of the business. One commentator sees cashless payments as long overdue compared to many other countries and appreciates the step towards digital.
The social debate
Obviously, the discussion about cashless payment on Sylt also reflects larger social trends. According to a recent study by the Bundesbank Around 50% of Germans currently prefer cash, which means that around 26% of everyday payments are still made in cash. But with an increase in non-cash payment methods by 7 percentage points to 49%, it is clear that the trend is towards cashless payments.
Mobile payment methods in particular are enjoying growing popularity; their share has tripled since 2021 and is now 6%. The German population is ready to accept the switch to cashless payments in many areas. According to the study, 81% of all transactions at physical payment locations would be cashless, an increase of 20 percentage points since 2021.
Conclusion or challenge?
It remains to be seen whether the new concept will be popular on Sylt or whether potential customers will stay away. The question remains interesting as to whether the advantages of cashless payment methods, such as convenience and speed, will promote the shift towards cashless payments, or whether many consumers' desire for the tried and tested cash remains. What is certain is that the reluctance or enthusiasm for cashless payment methods is clearly noticeable, especially on Sylt, where tourists from all regions meet. The debate is open and who knows, maybe the small business will become a big trendsetter on the popular holiday island.
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