Vending Machine Stores in Switzerland: Gen Z Has Long Been Shopping Around the Clock
A representative study by Marketagent shows that vending machine stores are gaining recognition and acceptance in Switzerland—especially among young consumers. However, the public wants clear rules.
Vacant retail spaces, changing consumer habits, and the desire for flexible shopping options are transforming the Swiss retail sector. A representative study by the market and opinion research institute Marketagent shows that vending machine shops are widely known among the Swiss population and are being used more and more—especially by Generation Z.
Concerns About Vacancies in City Centers
The development of many town centers is a growing source of concern for the public. Sixty-three percent of Swiss people feel that the number of vacant storefronts is increasing, and 72 percent view this trend as generally worrisome. Finding new uses for vacant retail spaces is therefore becoming increasingly important.
For the study, 1,000 people aged 14 to 75 who were representative of the Swiss population were surveyed. The survey was conducted between April 30 and May 11, 2026, via online interviews on the Marketagent reSEARCH platform.
High brand awareness, growing interest among vending machine shops in Switzerland
88 percent of respondents have already heard of vending machine stores—unstaffed stores where products can be purchased from vending machines around the clock. 29 percent have already shopped at such a store themselves. The younger generation is particularly open to this concept: among Generation Z, the proportion of people who have used these stores so far is already around 40 percent. By comparison, among baby boomers, this figure is only 14 percent.
Flexible and practical—but not without its critics
The biggest perceived advantage is their round-the-clock availability: 64 percent appreciate that vending machine stores are open 24/7. 57 percent see them as a practical solution for emergencies, such as when a product is needed urgently and traditional stores are already closed. One in four also appreciates the time savings: 25 percent see this as a way to get their shopping done quickly. Other benefits mentioned include the ability to access products even outside of regular business hours (about 38 percent) and the potential to offer regional products (about 21 percent).
On the other hand, there are significant concerns: 46 percent cite the threat of job losses in the retail sector as the biggest drawback. Possible technical glitches and a limited product selection are each cited by 41 percent of respondents, while 40 percent also mention price markups on products.
A complement to, rather than a replacement for, retail
According to the study, train stations and bus stops (56 percent) as well as rural areas (36 percent) are considered particularly suitable locations—that is, places where there is demand for flexible shopping options or where there are gaps in local services.
Overall, a majority does not view vending machine stores as a replacement for existing retail outlets, but rather as a complement to them. Nearly two-thirds—62 percent—see them as a useful addition to brick-and-mortar retail. Fifty percent believe that vending machine stores could help fill vacant storefronts and revitalize streets. At the same time, half the population advocates for clear rules: one in two supports restrictions at night or in residential areas. Only 14 percent completely reject shopping at a vending machine store—though among baby boomers, that figure rises to 29 percent.
Roland Zeindler, Managing Director of Marketagent Switzerland, summarizes the findings: «Vending machine stores are also tapping into the spirit of the times in Switzerland. The concept is particularly popular with Generation Z: For them, flexibility, speed, and round-the-clock availability are clearly the top priorities. Older consumers, on the other hand, are significantly more cautious about vending machine stores. This shows that, as a complement to traditional retail, vending machine stores have potential—but they must build trust, operate in a way that’s easy to understand, and clearly communicate their added value. Especially in areas where local supply chains have gaps or where vacant spaces call for new usage concepts, they can be an exciting building block.»
For more information about the study and Marketagent Switzerland's research opportunities, please visit https://www.marketagent-schweiz.ch.
