Zurich (AWP) – The resurgence of purchasing tourism puts in difficulty Swiss retailers. In the first half, the activities, measured in terms of credit card and debit transactions, are down, according to the reader of the Swiss Retail Federation.
The drop in turnover of the entire branch is estimated at 1.9% in the first half, compared to the same period of the previous year. The assessment is particularly negative in the stationary trade, which wiped a decline of 2.2%, while online commerce scored a slight increase (+0.8%).
The Swiss retail trade experienced a first “very difficult” semester, writes the ridge. In question, political and economic uncertainties, linked in particular to armed conflicts and commercial geopolitical quarrels, which weigh on the morale of consumers and affect domestic demand, according to her.
Certain segments, leisure and toys, clothing, as well as jewelry and watchmaking have particularly suffered.
Purchase tourism weighs on stationary trade turnover. According to data from bank card transactions, the second quarter ended in a 6% increase in transactions in border areas. The lowering of the franchise exempt from VAT from 300 to 150 Swiss francs since the start of the year does not seem to have discouraged trasnfrontal shopping. “We assume that the lowering to 150 Swiss francs has almost had no effect on purchasing tourism,” said Dagmar Jenni, director of Swiss Retail Federation.
For the second half of the year, hope is to see the retail trade regain colors. “We are not tabling on a rebound,” notes the director.
The Swiss Retail Federation represents 1900 retailers with 6,800 points of sale in Switzerland and generating more than 26 billion Swiss francs in revenue.
ls/jb/ol/cw
