Розничная торговля в Швейцарии показала рост на 1,2% в первом полугодии 2026 года при стагнации офлайн-продаж

The Swiss retail sector saw year-on-year retail revenue growth of 1.2% in the first half of 2026, according to card transaction data analysed by the Swiss Retail Federation. Online sales surged by 3.0%, while bricks-and-mortar sales grew by just 1.0% – a figure the food sector sustained almost entirely. Geopolitical and international trade tensions slowed retail growth early in the year, before momentum picked up in the second quarter. Patrick Erny, director of the Swiss Retail Federation, stated, “This development shows that, although the consumer climate has improved slightly, the retail sector continues to operate in a very difficult environment.” Food & grocery grew by 3.8%, as population growth and steady demand for daily essentials anchored physical retail. For non-food retail, in-store non-food sales declined by 3.3%, with textile, footwear, home furnishings, DIY and toys facing significant structural pressure. In contrast, e-commerce developed positively in most segments and further strengthened its market positions. Cross-border shopping remained at elevated levels, continuing to erode margins for local physical points of sale. Growing Channel Imbalance In response to the growing channel imbalance, the Swiss Retail Federation is pushing for targeted relief measures on all levels, to support physical stores. The organisation proposes liberalising evening and weekend opening hours, as well as preserving car access and affordable parking near downtown commercial zones. Retailers also suggest simplifying municipal construction and renovation approvals, to encourage physical-store investment. In addition, they support the elimination of unnecessary reporting fees and avoiding increases to VAT or payroll costs. The Swiss Retail Federation’s Erny concluded, “Stationary retail is essential for local supplies, the creation of many attractive jobs and apprenticeships, as well as the maintenance of lively city centres. “For it to continue to develop and compete effectively, it is essential to have secure and business-friendly framework conditions.”