The Swiss retail market is dominated by two main players: Coop Suisse and the Migros group. Together, they represent almost the entire market. Additionally, Migros owns Denner, a fully Swiss discount chain. In the discount sector, major German retailers Aldi and Lidl are also present.
In the retail sector, the leading operator in department stores is Manor, the largest department store chain in Switzerland. Founded in 1902, it is based in Basel and is part of the Maus Frères group, which also owns brands such as Lacoste and Gant. With more than 60 stores across the country, the company follows the classic multi-floor department store model, offering fashion, accessories, and beauty products. Thanks to its strong presence, it is considered a key shopping destination in Switzerland. Manor has also developed a food retail section.
Manor’s food offering aligns with the overall positioning of the brand: it is elegant, high-quality, and distinctive. The company also includes a restaurant section. “Manora is a self-service format with stations where customers can enjoy locally prepared food – explains Angelo Bondi, Manor’s Head of Food Purchasing –. We produce several products in-house at our stores, from pizza to pasta. We also have our own pastry shops and pasta production. Additionally, we offer limited-edition products inspired by specific culinary traditions, such as Italy Month, Portugal Month, or Thailand Month. Our food areas feature a variety of dishes, including poké, grilled specialties, salads, and pizza, covering the entire day, from breakfast to evening service. This is because our restaurant hours follow those of our stores.”
The integration of fashion, beauty, and food is a model that has already been successfully tested in the UK by Marks & Spencer. In Switzerland, Manor has built a strong reputation, gaining recognition even beyond national borders.
Manor’s mission is to expand “the emotion of food, integrating grocery shopping into a more complete experience” says Bondi. For this reason, the assortment focuses on fresh products, which provide a competitive advantage. “About grocery assortment, we aim to offer products that are not present in Switzerland, selecting exclusive brands. This serves two purposes: first, to offer something unique, and second, to avoid direct competition with widely available brands, which could be risky and less beneficial.”
Angelo Bondi will be attending the TuttoFood International Fair in Milan from May 5 to 8 to look for new products to add to his assortment and will visit the exhibitors’ stands at the fair.
