Swiss retailers in retreat - Chinese suppliers dominate Singles Day

Singles' Day has long been more than just a Chinese shopping event. While local retailers in Switzerland are increasingly pulling back, platforms like AliExpress and Temu are gaining market share and attracting more consumer attention. This trend is shifting the balance in online retail.

Singles Day on November 11 is the biggest shopping day in the world and is even more important than Black Friday. In China in particular, this day develops an unprecedented dynamic that has long since spread to the Swiss market. Chinese online stores such as AliExpress, Shein and Temu are increasing their presence in Switzerland year after year and are increasingly benefiting from the local withdrawal of Swiss retailers. According to a study by the online consultancy carpathia, these providers together generate almost CHF 1 billion in sales in Switzerland. A representative survey by DemoSCOPE shows that 42 % of the Swiss population have already made purchases from these stores - a considerable proportion that is particularly noticeable among younger shoppers.

 

The pressure on Swiss retailers is growing. Chinese platforms often offer products at prices that local suppliers can barely undercut. The price advantages result not least from different tax regulations, which costs local retailers considerable market share. It is estimated that Switzerland loses around CHF 2 billion in turnover every year as a result. While Chinese stores advertise extensive discounts and promotions for days on end, the offers from local retailers on Singles Day remain comparatively modest.

Nevertheless, the influence of Singles Day on the Swiss market is undeniable. Julian Zrotz, retail expert at blackfridaydeals.ch, sees the risk of Swiss retailers losing importance in the long term: "Focusing on Black Friday is no longer enough when the competition is global and aggressive. Withdrawing from Singles Day could cost Swiss retailers market share and consolidate the dominance of Chinese providers."


About blackfridaydeals.ch
For seven years, blackfridaydeals.ch has been providing comprehensive information about Black Friday, Singles Day and other discount events. The platform serves as a central point of contact for Swiss consumers and makes it easy to find the best offers. Last year, the site recorded over one million visitors looking for the best bargains.

About Singles Day
Singles Day is the world's highest-selling shopping day, initiated by Chinese platforms such as Alibaba. Originally intended as an event for single people, Singles Day now exceeds the sales of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in many countries. In Switzerland, it is driven by Chinese providers, while local retailers tend to focus on Black Friday.

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