Migros Ostschweiz Opens First 24-Hour Store in Herisau, June 04

Migros Ostschweiz will open Switzerland’s first 24-hour supermarket in Herisau in July 2026. The cooperative is also restructuring its catering operations by closing four restaurants across eastern Switzerland through 2028. These moves reflect Migros’ strategy to modernize larger locations while consolidating smaller outlets. For investors, this signals the cooperative is investing in convenience retail while cutting costs in lower-margin food service.

24-Hour Convenience Arrives in Eastern Switzerland

Migros Ostschweiz will launch its first round-the-clock supermarket in Herisau in July 2026. This marks the first 24-hour Migros store anywhere in Switzerland. The move targets customers seeking flexible shopping hours in the eastern region, particularly those working irregular shifts or traveling late at night.

Restaurant Closures Signal Shift to In-Store Food Services

Migros is closing four catering outlets over the next two years. The Romanshorn restaurant closes in October 2026, Weinfelden and Rorschach takeaway locations close in May 2027, and Schaffhausen Vorstadt closes in spring 2028. Migros Ostschweiz operates 33 restaurants and 15 takeaway outlets total. The cooperative will offer affected employees alternative jobs locally.

Instead of running standalone restaurants, Migros plans to expand ready-to-eat food offerings in larger supermarket locations. Customers will find sandwiches, salads, hot snacks and other prepared foods in expanded in-store areas. This strategy reduces overhead costs while maintaining customer access to prepared meals.

Investment in Modernized Larger Locations

While closing smaller outlets, Migros is modernizing key restaurants in 2026. Locations at Pizolpark Mels, Rheinpark St. Margrethen, Rosenberg Winterthur and Gossau shopping centers will undergo comprehensive renovations. The cooperative is examining alternative uses for vacant space in Rorschach, Schaffhausen and Weinfelden, while returning rented space in Romanshorn to its owner.

What This Means for the Cooperative

The restructuring signals Migros is consolidating its catering business to improve profitability. By shifting to in-store food services and modernizing larger locations, the cooperative reduces operating costs while maintaining customer convenience. This reflects a broader retail trend toward integrated food services rather than standalone restaurants. The eastern Switzerland region continues to evolve as retailers adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Final Thoughts

Migros Ostschweiz is balancing growth with efficiency: launching a 24-hour store while closing underperforming restaurants. The shift toward in-store food services and modernized larger locations positions the cooperative to reduce costs and improve margins in a competitive retail market.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.