Switzerland

Online consumer spending in Switzerland increased by 3.5 percent last year, while brick-and-mortar retail saw a slight decline of 0.2 percent. As in many other countries, the share of online sales within total retail continues to rise.

Galaxus, Switzerland's largest ecommerce company, saw its platform sales increase 18 percent last year, reaching 3.4 billion euros. Growth was particularly strong outside its home market, with further European expansion on the agenda.

The rise of shopping platforms from China is making a strong impact in Switzerland. In a top 10 list of popular online shopping destinations, three names from China are included. While AliExpress was the only Chinese player in the Swiss top list three years ago, it has now been surpassed by Shein and Temu.

The rumors had been circulating for a while, but now it’s official: Mytheresa wants to acquire industry peer Yoox Net-a-Porter from Richemont. This will create a “leading, global, multi-brand digital luxury group”, according to the involved parties. As part of the deal, Richemont will acquire a 33 percent stake in the rapidly growing Mytheresa.

Of the 47 biggest online stores in Switzerland, only 17 percent offer free shipping this year. A majority of 64 percent offers free shipping above a threshold value. Another 19 percent always charges for delivering goods. These data are approximately the same as those in 2023.

Despite a drop in revenue, Zalando remains the largest online retailer in Switzerland. The local online department store Galaxus, now the new number 2, saw its revenue increase significantly last year. Temu is the only newcomer in the top 10.

The customs legislation in Switzerland is undergoing a major overhaul. The legislative amendment, approved by the National Council, could have significant implications for parcel delivery in Switzerland. Critics anticipate that it will become slower, more complicated, and more expensive.

Last year, ecommerce giant Amazon was able to generate a turnover of 34 billion euros in Germany, with the sales of its products and services. This was a growth of 12 percent compared to a year earlier. Its trade income in that year is estimated at 22.8 billion euros.

Only a fraction of online retailers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland offer free delivery for online orders. The largest group of sellers charges shoppers an average of between 2 and 5 euros for shipping.

Preventing returns is a significant focus for online retailers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. On average, a return costs them between 5 and 10 euros, with some exceeding this range. Detailed product information is seen by entrepreneurs as the key solution.

French cosmetics company Yves Rocher is closing all of its branches in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. With the company’s current business model, it is no longer possible to operate sustainably and successfully. It will continue operating in those markets, but online only.

Zalando launches a body measurement feature to assist customers in the DACH region in finding their right size. They receive size advice based on their measurement by taking two pictures of themselves. With this tool, size-related returns should be reduced.

In 2022, Zalando generated a revenue of 1.79 billion euros in Switzerland. It is the biggest online store in the country. Two thirds of the country’s top 30 online stores have either shrunk or stagnated compared to 2021.

Online stores in Switzerland will not be mandated to charge for the return of goods. The Swiss National Council has rejected a motion proposing a returns fee. The obligation would be an encroachment on economic freedom.

Online retailers in Switzerland are facing a shortage of suitable logistics locations within the country. They are outsourcing warehousing or seeking solutions across the border, according to the Swiss Handelszeitung.