It has long looked bleak for the stores' survival in the sparsely populated area, but now the trend seems to be about to reverse.
For the business in Abborträsk outside Arvidsjaur, self-scanning has become the salvation.
- We haven't had the system that long, but I think we already notice a difference, says co-owner Christer Ruth.
Not worried about the risk of theft
The system means that guests can scan themselves and the goods they buy.
This means that you can stay in the store when it is unmanned.
Although it may increase the risk of theft, the shop owners are not worried.
- It will probably occur, but regardless, it will balance out against the reduced costs for personnel, says Karin H Pettersson.
Hear the shop owners' thoughts about the shop in Abborrträsk, soon to have survived for 25 years.