Retail trade Foreign online stores grow strongly in Switzerland in 2024
Online retail continued to grow in Switzerland in 2024. Foreign providers saw the strongest growth, as a study shows.
13.03.2025, 10:42
SDA
Swiss consumers bought goods with a total value of 14.9 billion Swiss francs in online stores in 2024. This is 3.5% more than in 2023, according to the survey published on Thursday by Handelsverband.swiss, the market researchers NIQ/GfK in collaboration with Swiss Post.
Purchases from foreign providers accelerated significantly once again. The increase amounted to 18 percent, compared to 10 percent in 2023. Small parcels from Asia in particular contributed significantly to the increase, according to the report.
In contrast, purchases in stores with a .ch domain only increased by 1%. Digitec Galaxus recorded the largest increase at 18 percent. The market share of domestic stores therefore fell from 85% to 83%.
Fashion less in demand
The biggest decline was in the fashion sector. As in 2023, sales fell by 7 percent. In contrast, the food sector increased by 5%.
Online stores with home electronics as their main product range accounted for almost a quarter of sales. Fashion (16%) and Home & Living (14%) followed in second place. Together, these three areas account for just over half of sales in Swiss online retail.
The authors of the study expect online business to grow by between 4% and 7% in 2025 due to improved consumer sentiment. The dominance of marketplaces and portals is expected to increase. Competition from abroad is also expected to increase further.
