Quick Facts
- Expats living in Switzerland
- Cross-border shoppers from EU
- Swiss residents seeking local alternatives to Amazon
- No Amazon.ch exists - Swiss shoppers use Amazon.de which handles customs clearance
- Digitec Galaxus is the largest Swiss retailer with 3.2 billion CHF turnover and 8+ million products
- Orders from foreign sites without Swiss VAT calculation can trigger high courier admin fees
- Payment by invoice (Rechnung) is common in Switzerland - pay after inspecting goods
For hassle-free shopping in Switzerland, prioritize local giants like Galaxus and Zalando.ch to avoid customs surprises. Use Amazon.de only for items fulfilled by Amazon where final prices include duties.
Switzerland is an e-commerce island in the middle of Europe. It is not part of the EU Customs Union, which means online shopping here operates by its own set of rules. If you aren’t careful, a simple package from abroad can result in hefty unexpected customs fees.
However, the trade-off is often worth it. The Swiss infrastructure is world-class, with delivery speeds that put other countries to shame. We’ve analyzed the market to help you navigate local giants like Galaxus, handle cross border orders from Amazon, and find the best deals without getting stung by hidden costs.
The Swiss E-Commerce Landscape
Contrary to outdated reports predicting explosive double digit jumps, the Swiss market has matured. In 2024, the e-commerce volume hit 14.9 billion CHF (approx. 16.6 billion USD). While growth has normalized to a steady 4% to 7% forecast for 2025, the competition is fierce.
What makes Switzerland unique is the dominance of local players. Unlike most of the Western world where Amazon reigns supreme, in Switzerland, local tech and lifestyle retailers still hold the crown. Swiss consumers prioritize reliability and return policies over arguably lower prices from unverified foreign sellers.
Why Shop Online in Switzerland?
Beyond the convenience, the Swiss digital ecosystem offers specific benefits:
- Speed is Non Negotiable: Next day delivery is the standard, not the premium exception.
- Payment by Invoice: Many Swiss retailers still allow you to pay via invoice (Rechnung) after you receive and inspect the goodsa rarity elsewhere.
- local Support: Customer service is typically multilingual (German, French, Italian, English) and highly responsive.
The Challenges (Read Before Buying)
The “High Price Island” (Hochpreisinsel) phenomenon is real. Here is what causes friction:
- Limited Amazon Access: There is no dedicated “Amazon.ch” marketplace with its own warehouses. You rely on imports.
- The Customs Trap: Ordering from foreign sites that don’t calculate Swiss VAT at checkout can lead to high administrative fees from the courier.
- Language Barriers: While English is common, interfaces on domestic sites often default to German or French.
The Titans: Top Swiss Online Stores
If you want to shop like a local, these are the platforms you need to bookmark. We have curated this list based on 2024/2025 turnover data.
Zalando.ch (Fashion Leader)
With a turnover of 1.7 billion CHF, Zalando is the undisputed king of fashion e-commerce in Switzerland. They have mastered the logistics of importing goods into the country seamlessly, so you never deal with customs paperwork.
Insider Tip: Be aware that Zalando recently updated their shipping policy. Orders under CHF 34.90 now incur a CHF 5.95 shipping fee. If you are looking for similar fashion deals across the border, check our guide to shopping for clothes in Germany.
Digitec Galaxus (The “Swiss Amazon”)
If you combine their platforms, Digitec (electronics) and Galaxus (everything else) are actually the largest retailer group in the country with over 3.2 billion CHF in turnover. Galaxus is often referred to as the “Swiss Amazon” because of its massive assortmentover 8 million products as of 2025.
They are famous for their honest community. User reviews here are brutally honest, and the return policies are transparent.
Amazon (The German Connection)
Let’s clarify a common myth: There is still no active Amazon.ch marketplace as of late 2025. When you type that URL, you are generally redirected.
However, Swiss residents shop heavily on Amazon.de (Amazon Germany). It ranks #4 in Swiss e-commerce sales. The key here is that Amazon.de handles the customs clearance for you on most items fulfilled by Amazon. You see the final price at checkout.
Brack.ch
Brack.ch is the preferred alternative for those who want pure Swiss reliability. They stock over 250,000 products directly in their Willisau warehouse. Unlike marketplaces that rely on third-party sellers, when you buy from Brack, you are usually buying from Brack, which simplifies warranty claims significantly.
The Supermarkets: Migros & Coop
For groceries, the duopoly continues online. Both Migros.ch and Coop.ch offer extensive home delivery networks. They are essential for specialized nutrition, fresh produce, and famously, Swiss chocolate.
Specialized Retailers
- Microspot.ch: A strong competitor in home electronics, often offering aggressive discounts to compete with Digitec.
- Zur Rose (Now Medbase/DocMorris): The pharmacy landscape has shifted. While the corporate group is now DocMorris, the domestic operations were sold to Migros (Medbase). You will still see the Zur Rose brand in shop in-shop pharmacy locations.
- Gamelife (formerly GameStop): Note that GameStop has exited the Swiss market. The stores were sold and rebranded to ‘Gamelife’, so don’t look for the old brand anymore.
- Furniture: If you are furnishing a home and looking for variety beyond IKEA, you might also check online furniture stores in France that deliver to the border regions.
Logistics: Who Delivers Your Package?
Swiss logistics are remarkably efficient. Swiss Post (Die Post) remains the dominant force, handling nearly 60% of the parcel market. They are trusted enough that couriers often leave packages in your building’s mailbox milk box (Milchkasten) if you aren’t homea practice that shocks many expats.
Private competitors like DPD and DHL are growing, particularly for international shipments. If you are ordering high value electronics, Planzer is also a common courier you will encounter.
Buying Clothes Online
While Zalando leads the pack, don’t ignore boutique options. Switzerland has a strong appreciation for high-quality textiles. If you are looking specifically for fashion, check our dedicated guide to finding the best fits in the Swiss market.
Wholesale & B2B Buying
For business owners, Switzerland acts as a hub for luxury commodities. While it is rarely a destination for “cheap” wholesale goods, it is the go-to source for premium wholesale items like watches and chocolate. High quality demands high prices, even at wholesale levels.
Online Chocolate Shops
It wouldn’t be a Swiss shopping guide without mentioning chocolate. Most local chocolatiers now ship internationally. If you want to buy authentic Swiss chocolate online, our guide highlights the chocolatiers that offer the best cold chain shipping to ensure your pralines don’t arrive melted.
