The strength of the Swiss franc has caused a near three-fold increase in “shopping tourism”, where Switzerland’s shoppers go over the border to buy food and other groceries.

Swiss retailer Coop estimates that the money spent in neighbouring countries has trebled from between CHF1-2bn (US$1.1bn) a year to nearly CHF3bn as the soaring value of the Swiss franc makes products sold in euros across the border cheaper.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

A Coop spokesman said: “The closer a shop to the border, the more it loses. It used to be that our domestic client base went across the border specifically for meat and dairy products – now they are doing their entire purchase.”

Coop also estimates that “shopping tourism” has cost it around CHF200m.

For an in-depth analysis of the effects of a strong Swiss franc, click here.