Retail trade Swiss continue to consume strongly despite signs of crisis
Despite the growing economic uncertainties, the Swiss remain in a spending mood. According to Postfinance data, fears of an economic slowdown have not yet been reflected in actual consumer behavior.
15.05.2025, 10:42
SDA
The consumption indicator surveyed by Postfinance rose by 1.5 percent year-on-year in April, as it did in March, the financial subsidiary of Swiss Post announced on Thursday. There had already been a significant increase in January (+1.2%) and February (+1.1%).
The Swiss population is still keen to spend, the press release continued. Even though consumer sentiment has cooled in the consumption indicator compiled by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), this has so far only been reflected to a limited extent in actual consumption.
Every month, Postfinance anonymously evaluates the payment transactions of its 2.4 million customers. The consumption indicator calculated from this shows consumer spending adjusted for the effects of sales days and public holidays in a year-on-year comparison or on a seasonally adjusted basis compared to the previous month.
More spending on leisure and travel
Consumption rose particularly sharply in the areas of travel, gastronomy and leisure activities. For example, more money was spent on travel arrangements than at any time since the introduction of the PostFinance Consumption Indicator in October 2022.
Spending on restaurant visits was also high. At the same time, spending on computer and electronic items stabilized, according to the press release.
There was a stable trend in everyday spending. Spending on public transport increased significantly, while spending in department stores fell slightly.
In the "Beauty & Wellness" segment, another slight decline was observed in April. This was mainly due to lower clothing sales. Health treatments were also less in demand.
