Expensive mistake or prime location? Find the perfect retail space in Switzerland! Our guide covers everything you need to know – from location and layout to hidden costs.
Opening or expanding a retail store is more than just implementing a business idea; it is creating a physical space where your brand meets your customers. Choosing the right retail space is one of the most fundamental and far-reaching business decisions you will make. It not only influences potential sales, but also significantly shapes the perception of your brand and the efficiency of your daily operations. A hasty decision can be costly, while a carefully considered choice lays the foundation for lasting success. You should therefore bear the following requirements in mind when renting retail space.
Every evaluation inevitably begins with the location. This is a factor whose importance cannot be overstated. The best product presentation and the friendliest service are of little use if potential customers cannot find your shop in the first place. The first indicator is footfall. Analyse not only how many people pass by a potential location, but also when they do so and who these people are. High footfall during the evening rush hour may be ideal for a takeaway concept, but for a boutique, affluent walk-in customers on Saturday afternoons are more important.
But quantity alone is not everything. The quality of the footfall and how well it matches your target group are also crucial. A location in a trendy, young neighbourhood appeals to a different audience than an address in an established shopping street with luxury brands. Closely linked to this is the visibility of your space. A wide, inviting shop window in a clearly visible position is your most important and cost-effective advertising space. It arouses curiosity and actively attracts customers. Therefore, check carefully how visible the façade is and what design options it offers.
Also consider accessibility. How easy is it for your customers to get to you? Good public transport links are often a decisive advantage in cities, while the availability of parking spaces may be more important in rural areas. Don't forget to consider the delivery situation for your own goods. Easy access for suppliers saves time and hassle. Finally, it is worth taking a look at the immediate surroundings and the mix of businesses. Do the surrounding shops complement your offering and create synergies, or are you in direct competition? A well-established mix can increase the attractiveness of an entire street and attract additional customers.
Once you have identified a promising location, the focus shifts to the property itself. The question here is whether the space is not only suitable, but also actively supports your concept. The sheer number of square metres can be misleading. The layout of the space is crucial. Analyse the ratio of pure sales area (VKF) to ancillary areas such as storage, offices and staff rooms. A long, narrow room places different demands on product presentation than an open, square floor plan. An easily accessible and sufficiently large warehouse is the backbone of an efficient operation and should not be underestimated.
The shop window is your business's calling card. Its size, orientation and general condition are critical success factors. At the same time, the atmosphere inside shapes the shopping experience. High ceilings can convey a feeling of spaciousness and luxury, while lower ceilings can create a cosier, more intimate atmosphere. The condition of floors, walls and ceilings not only provides information about renovation requirements, but also directly influences how quickly and cost-effectively you can implement your brand identity in the space. Another often overlooked point is accessibility. Threshold-free access is not only a requirement for inclusion and an important service for customers with prams or limited mobility, but is also enshrined in Swiss law by the Disability Discrimination Act (BehiG).
What is often overlooked but essential for smooth operation is hidden in the walls and ceilings of the property. A modern retail space requires a robust technical infrastructure. Start with the electrical installations: are there enough power connections for cash register systems, lighting, computers and any special equipment? Is the connection capacity sufficient? Closely related to this is connectivity. A fast and stable internet connection, ideally via fibre optics, is the lifeline of today's retail sector. It is required for cash register systems, merchandise management, online orders and often also for customer Wi-Fi. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) are equally important for the well-being of your customers and employees.
A well-regulated temperature and fresh air are crucial for a pleasant stay. Air conditioning in particular can make all the difference on hot summer days and encourage customers to linger. You should also check the condition and availability of sanitary facilities for staff and, if necessary, for customers. Finally, you should evaluate the existing security technology. Is an alarm system already installed or are the necessary cables in place?
Before signing a lease, the hard facts must be clarified. The most important point is the official usage permit from the local authority. Make sure that the space is actually declared as retail space and that your specific industry is permitted to operate there. Special requirements apply to restaurants and noisy businesses.
The lease itself often contains retail-specific clauses. Pay attention to regulations on minimum opening hours, restrictions on product ranges or requirements for advertising measures. It is always advisable to have the contract reviewed by an expert. Financially, you need to look beyond the net rent. Ask for a detailed list of ancillary costs to get a realistic estimate of the total expenses. The biggest financial item besides the rent is often the tenant's fit-out. Clarify which costs for floors, walls, ceilings, lighting and other installations are to be borne by you as the tenant and which are to be borne by the landlord.
Retail in 2025 will no longer be purely a transaction space. To be successful in the long term, your retail space must meet modern customer requirements. Think about omnichannel capability. Does the floor plan offer the possibility of setting up a ‘click & collect’ area for online orders or efficiently handling returns?
Competition with online retailers also demands a physical shopping experience. Can your space be more than just a warehouse? Does the space allow for flexible use for small events, workshops or a cosy coffee corner to inspire customers and increase the time they spend in your store? Finally, sustainability is becoming increasingly important. An energy-efficient building (recognisable by the GEAK certificate) not only protects the environment, but also your utility budget. For more and more customers, a visible commitment to sustainability is also a positive brand attribute.
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