The heart of Vilnius’s retail scene has resumed its rhythm as the iconic ‘Mindaugo Maxima’ officially reopened its doors to the public. Following a rapid one-week intensive renovation, the store at Mindaugo g. 11—widely considered the most famous supermarket in Lithuania—has returned with a significant upgrade to its infrastructure, technology, and fresh food offerings. For residents and international visitors in the Lithuanian capital, the reopening marks the return of a vital urban hub that serves nearly 6,000 customers daily.
Essential Visitor Information and Operating Hours
For those planning a visit, the store has maintained its accessible schedule, catering to both early risers and late-night shoppers. The supermarket operates from 07:00 until 00:00 daily. Located centrally at Mindaugo g. 11, the store remains a primary destination for the city’s midday rush and the post-work peak between 16:00 and 19:00.
Managed by a dedicated team of 160 employees, the facility is more than just a retail space; it houses on-site butchery and confectionery workshops, ensuring that fresh goods are prepared throughout the day. The €500,000 investment by the Maxima chain was specifically targeted at refreshing the store’s interior layout and enhancing the speed of the shopping experience.
Major Upgrades to Fresh Food and Product Assortment
The renovation has brought a substantial expansion to the store’s inventory. Across the nearly 5,000-square-metre floor space, shoppers can now browse over 12,500 different food and beverage products. The most notable growth is found in the fresh produce, frozen goods, and grocery departments.
According to Titas Atraškevičius, a spokesperson for Maxima, the assortment of dairy, packaged fresh meats, and poultry has been significantly bolstered. Furthermore, the store has expanded its ‘World Flavours’ and ‘Wellness’ sections, reflecting a growing local demand for international ingredients and health-conscious options. A new dedicated section for baby and children’s goods has also been implemented, consolidating food and non-food essentials for parents into a single, easy-to-navigate area.
For those seeking convenience, the ‘Meistro kokybė’ (Master Quality) range of ready-to-eat meals and deli items has been expanded. This includes an array of weighted and pre-packaged salads, sushi, grilled meats, and artisanal cheeses, catering to the city’s fast-paced professional demographic.
Modernising the Checkout Experience with Tech Solutions
One of the primary drivers of the €0.5 million investment was the modernisation of the checkout zone. Recognising that the majority of ‘Mindaugo Maxima’ customers prefer autonomous payment, the retailer has replaced its older systems with 20 next-generation self-service checkouts.
Additionally, the store continues to champion its ‘Scan&Go’ technology, which was originally pioneered in Lithuania at this very location. With 72 mobile scanners available, shoppers can scan items as they place them in their baskets, significantly reducing time spent at the final payment stage. For those who prefer traditional service, 10 standard manned checkouts remain in operation, providing a balance between high-tech efficiency and personal service.
A Retail Landmark in the Heart of the Capital
Beyond the groceries, the Mindaugo Street location serves as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for various services. The building continues to host various third-party service providers on its first and second floors, ranging from pharmacies to specialised boutiques.
In the UK, such a renovation might be compared to a flagship Sainsbury’s or Tesco Superstore in a major city centre undergoing a ‘future-store’ refit. The ‘Mindaugo Maxima’ holds a unique cultural position in Vilnius; for years, it was the city’s only 24-hour supermarket, becoming a landmark for late-night convenience. While hours have shifted, this latest renovation ensures it remains the technological and logistical flagship for the largest retail chain in the Baltic States.
Source: ELTA
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