Shopping in Switzerland - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Shopping in Switzerland will be a pleasant part of the trip, but few people travel specially for that. Nevertheless, there is a huge number of shops. Geneva can be called the center of shopping. Boutiques, shopping centers and department stores are concentrated there. Tourists often bring from Switzerland different types of cheese, the famous Swiss chocolate, and Alpine bells. Local producers surprise with the unusual tastes of chocolate; the most unexpected ingredients, such as chili, can be added. You can buy chocolate in supermarkets or shopping centers, but it won’t be elite. The exclusive Swiss chocolate is sold in specialized shops; the prices for it are slightly higher.

Do not forget about the Swiss watch. It is impossible to stumble on a fake at local shops. The most famous watch brands are Rolex, Tissot, Cartier, Omega, and Patek Philippe can be found there. It is better to buy a watch in Zurich, there is the largest selection of models in different price segments. Luxury watches can be tried on Bahnhofstrasse; products at more democratic prices can be bought in the historic part of the city. Stores in Switzerland, even the most elite local producers, usually have a fairly modest and simple design. It's not customary to exhibit luxury and wealth. Prices for watches in all cities of the country are almost identical, so that you can buy a model you like anywhere.

Great opportunities for shopping are offered by Geneva. Shopping in the city is concentrated on the main shopping streets - rue du Marche and rue du Rive; they have boutiques of world famous brands. In the center of the city, there is the Bon Genie department store. It features boutiques of such brands as Chanel, Sonia Rykiel, Jimmy Choo, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Cheeses, chocolate and other gastronomic goods and souvenirs are better to buy in the Deli Globus. There you can find cosmetics and household goods. Goods at more democratic prices should be found in the outlet of Le Mouton A Cinc Pattes and the Cornavin shopping complex. It's worth to look for exclusive items in Lugano, where there is a pedestrian street with boutiques and shops. The longest street with shops in Europe is located in Bern. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another center of shopping in Switzerland is the small ski resort Samnaun, which is a duty-free zone. Here you do not have to pay VAT for any goods. In addition, most stores offer an additional 15-20% discount, which makes shopping even more attractive. The largest outlet of Switzerland, Foxtown, is located in the town of Mendrisio. It features stores of more than 250 brands; discounts can reach 50-70%. Another major outlet is located near Basel. Fashion Fish has more than 50 shops with clothes and shoes by Guess, Puma, Marco Polo, and Beldona. Discounts are somewhat more modest, about 20-30%. Several small outlets are located in Zurich. The largest is Trois Pommes, it features Prada, Galliano, Lagerfeld, and Alexander McQueen. On average, they offer discounts of 20-30%.

In Switzerland, as in any European country, there are sales twice a year. Winter sales begin on Christmas and last until February. This time is considered the best for shopping in Switzerland; on holidays, discounts can reach 50-70%. Shops extend their working day and open even on holidays in December. Discounts increase gradually. The most profitable purchases can be made at the end of the season, in February. There are 5 major festive markets on Christmas, where you can buy souvenirs and gifts. The summer season of sales starts in mid-July and lasts until September.