Zurich
Department and other stores
Zurich is known as the ‘little big city’ and you will find a good range of department stores. Globus, as well as Jelmoli, have gone through considerable changes in recent years. They are now pricey, designer-orientated stores.
Globus has a superb delicatessen court in its basement (see Globus Delicatessa under ‘Food shopping’ ) and a very design-orientated household wares department.
Jelmoli specialises in designer labels. Their shop-in-shop concept offers labels their own little stall on the premises.
Manor and St. Annahof (Coop) are lower to medium-price department stores of the more traditional type. In recent years, Manor has become strong in the field of consumer electronics, including computers and phones.
Apart from Jelmoli and St. Annahof, all department stores have several branches. For the following selection, we considered both size and location:
Opening hours (unless otherwise stated) are: Mon – Sat 9–20hrs
- Jelmoli, Seidengasse 1, 8001 Zürich, www.jelmoli.ch
- Einkaufszentrum Sihlcity, Kalenderplatz 1/ Giesshübelstrasse 15, 8045 Zürich www.sihlcity.ch
- Globus, Schweizergasse 1/ Löwenplatz, 8001 Zürich www.globus.ch
- Manor, Baslerstrasse 50, Letzipark, 8048 Zürich, www.manor.ch
- St. Annahof, Bahnhofstrasse 57, 8001 Zürich, www.coop-city.ch
- Letzipark shopping mall, Baslerstrasse 50, 8048 Zürich www.letzipark.ch
- Glatt shopping mall, Neue Winterthurerstrasse 99, 8301 Wallisellen, www.glatt.ch
- Tivoli shopping mall, Hochhaus 9, 8975 Spreitenbach, www.shoppitivoli.ch
- Shopping-Guide Zürich
Lichthof
Credit Suisse Bank's head offices on Paradeplatz have replaced their teller area with a shopping court of unusual grandeur, with top-league designer shops such as Giorgio Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, Bulgari or Montblanc.
- Bahnhofstrasse 25
Im Viadukt
Under more than 50 arches of the train viaduct cutting through Zurich's Hardbrücke area, between Geroldstrasse and Limmatstrasse (Kreis 5), a unique range of shops, restaurants and workshops gradually opened its doors a few years ago. It is also Zurich’s first covered market hall for fresh, organically grown foods and specialties.
- Im Viadukt, Viaduktstrasse
Do it yourself store
There are plenty of home improvement stores in Switzerland. However, they are smaller in comparison to our neighbouring countries.
- Jumbo store locator
- OBI store locator
- Coop store locator (look for Bau + Hobby)
- Migros Do it store locator
Buying furniture
Top price range
Neumarkt 17
The furnishings and interior architecture found here will make you feel utterly comfortable. Neumarkt 17 has been one of the best addresses for design for over 30 years. They sell notable brands of furniture and lamps, mostly from Italy and Switzerland, as well as timeless and beautiful tableware and home accessories.
- Neumarkt 17, 8001 Zürich, phone 044 254 38 38, www.neumarkt17.ch
Zingg-Lamprecht
The renowned furniture house at Stampfenbachplatz features exclusively well-known furniture brands. Their atmosphere not only makes you feel like buying furniture, it also invites you to spend some time getting inspired by the many tasteful interior design ideas.
Holm
In this island of Scandinavian design, you will find both classic furniture from the last century and the latest designs.
- Hürlimann Areal, Brandschenkstrasse 130, 8002 Zürich, phone 044 201 44 05, Homepage
Colombo La Famiglia
Modern design is the motto of this major furniture and textile firm.
- redbox House, Seestrasse 9, 8702 Zollikon, phone 043 305 06 30, Homepage
Friolet Interiors
Friolet Interiors is mainly a distributor of furniture and living accessories of Belgian brand Flamant. Flamant’s feel-good style – wood elements, atmospheric lighting and classic designs – feels like a nod to pretty boutique hotels in Paris.
- Seefeldstrasse 12, 8008 Zürich phone 043 268 52 00, Homepage
Medium price range
Schubiger Möbel
If the above furniture stores are too exclusive for you but you do want to find something a little more special, try Schubiger.
- Überlandstrasse 423, 8051 Zürich, phone 044 325 25 50, www.schubiger.ch
Pfister
This furniture store has branches all over Switzerland and offers designer to medium-priced furniture and a good customer service. You will find almost everything that makes living more comfortable.
Mobitare
If you decide to visit Mobitare, then you are probably not interested in standard furniture, but rather in unique designs and accessories. For more than 15 years, Mobitare has offered a special approach to interior decoration and a design philosophy that gives great satisfaction to those who enjoy combining beautiful furniture and finding just the right accent.
- Hochbordstrasse 4, 8600 Dübendorf, phone 044 823 98 11, www.mobitare.ch
Low price range
IKEA
As this Swedish chain is represented in many countries, it won't need much of an introduction. Did you know, however, that the first IKEA shop outside Sweden was opened in Spreitenbach? Although other locations have followed, the store in Spreitenbach is still the largest in the country.
Livique
A Swiss chain offering low-priced furniture and bargains - various branches throughout the country.
- Livique store locator (Swiss-wide)
Across the border in Germany
Why not venture a little further - try these shops in nearby Germany:
Seipp Wohnen
Large selection of affordable and designer furniture and kitchens
Möbel Dick
This furniture dealer just across the border offers a large range of various price brackets. We recommend you avoid Saturdays due to its popularity
Electronics
For electric appliances, go to in these stores:
Electric and kitchen appliances
Small appliances
Computer
Lamps
Books
Orell Füssli – The Bookshop
This is a smaller version of the Orell Füssli flagship store located in the immediate vicinity (Füsslistrasse 4), and is entirely dedicated to the sale of English books. On a rainy afternoon, why not spend it there, browsing and dreaming on sofa surrounded by hundreds of books.
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Vordergasse 77, 8200 Schaffhausen, Internet, english-orders@books.ch
Pile of Books
Welcome to the enthusiast's world! In his shop, ‘Pile of Books’ founder and collector-at-heart Daniel Rufer offers a vast collection of English literature, with a penchant for literary fiction.
- Zentralstrasse 16, 8003 Zurich, phone 043 333 29 45, www.pileofbooks.ch
Sphères
A very special bookstore cum bar – not only are the readings and concerts popular; being an integral part of the store, the bar offers an inspired menu and wine at affordable prices. Look out for the English book section.
- Hardturmstrasse 66, 8005 Zurich, phone 044 440 66 22, www.spheres.cc
Bergli Books
This Basel bookstore offers an eclectic but useful collection of books helping you understand Switzerland and its inhabitants.
Things to share
What started with the hugely successful Mobility carsharing pool has now found popular use for all kinds of everyday items and even food.
On "Sharely", you can borrow or lend to your heart's desire. (website in German only).