Migros Opens First 24-Hour Supermarket in Switzerland, June 06

Migros Ostschweiz will open Switzerland’s first 24-hour supermarket on July 2 in Herisau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The 300 square meter store will operate with staff until 7 PM, then switch to self-service mode overnight using smartphone access and automated checkout. The pilot signals plans for broader expansion across eastern Switzerland.

How the Concept Works

The Herisau store carries 7,000 items and operates normally with staff until 7 PM. After closing, customers access the store via smartphone and pay at self-checkout kiosks. Video and sensor monitoring activates overnight to detect medical emergencies or accidents. The system uses technology from Migros’s existing unmanned Teo stores. Restocking happens only during staffed hours, as Swiss labor law prohibits shelf management at night and on Sundays and holidays.

Delayed Launch After Legal Challenge

The project was originally planned for summer 2025 but faced a one-year delay due to an objection against building modifications and the site’s change of use. Migros now holds the operating permit. Herisau was chosen as the test location because it offers good accessibility without the complexities of a major city.

Customer Demand Drives Expansion Plans

Migros justifies the concept by citing customer requests for more flexible shopping hours. Further projects are planned but not yet finalized, indicating the pilot is not a one-off experiment. Competitors including Valora and Coop are exploring similar extended-hours models.

Union Opposition Over Worker Rights

The union federation of St. Gallen-Appenzell opposes the concept, arguing 24-hour stores are unnecessary and disadvantage smaller retailers who cannot afford such operating hours. The criticism centers on labor costs and competitive fairness for independent shops.

Final Thoughts

Migros’s 24-hour supermarket launch in Herisau on July 2 marks a strategic shift toward extended retail hours in Switzerland. With plans for further expansion and competitors testing similar models, the pilot could reshape convenience shopping in the region.

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