nThe iconic Jelmoli department store, a cornerstone of Zurich’s retail history, is set to close its doors permanently on February 28, 2025. This marks the end of an era for Switzerland’s first department store, which once boasted 230 locations across the country and employed over 5,000 people. As the final days approach, a wave of nostalgia sweeps through Zurich, with residents reflecting on the store’s profound impact on their lives.
“It is like an institution that we lose and that we will miss,” shared a Zurich resident in an interview with RTS. Known affectionately as the “ice palace” due to its fully glazed facade,Jelmoli holds a special place in the hearts of many,evoking cherished childhood memories.Originally slated to close in late 2024, the decision to extend operations until February 2025 allowed the brand to capitalize on the bustling Christmas shopping season.
### A Symbol of Consumer Society and Women’s Emancipation
Historian and filmmaker Sabine Gisiger highlights Jelmoli’s role as a symbol of consumer society and women’s empowerment. “Jelmoli is also a symbol of the emancipation of women: they become economic subjects, sellers – better paid than elsewhere – and consumers,” she explains. This transformative role contributed to the store’s rapid success, mirroring the popularity of Parisian department stores of the time.
### A Mirror of Swiss History
Jelmoli’s story is deeply intertwined with Swiss history, reflecting both its triumphs and darker chapters. During the rise of adolf Hitler, the national Front gained traction in Switzerland, leading to the boycott of Jewish-owned businesses, including Jelmoli. “Already in the 1930s, the National Front demanded the boycott of Jewish department stores,” Gisiger recalls. Despite these challenges,Jelmoli persevered,expanding into French-speaking Switzerland in the 1950s with locations like the Grand Passage in Geneva and Innovation in Lausanne,which were later sold to Globus in the 1990s.
### The Rise and Fall of a Retail Giant
At its zenith, Jelmoli operated 230 stores nationwide and held stakes in department stores across Europe and the United States.However, the retail giant’s decline began as economic pressures mounted. The real estate company Swiss Prime Site (SPS), which owns the property, cited competition from online commerce and shifting consumer habits as key factors behind the closure. Additionally, Jelmoli struggled with the exorbitant rents imposed by SPS, a challenge that also forced Manor to vacate its Bahnhofstrasse location in 2020.### What’s Next for the Iconic Location?
Following Jelmoli’s closure, Manor will partially occupy the space, marking a symbolic return to Bahnhofstrasse. The remaining sections of the building will be converted into offices, a trend increasingly seen along Zurich’s most expensive street. This conversion underscores the ongoing shift from retail to commercial spaces in the area, driven by soaring rental costs.
### Key Milestones in Jelmoli’s History
| Year | Event |
|——|——-|
| 1890s | Jelmoli opens as Switzerland’s first department store |
| 1930s | Faces boycott due to Jewish ownership during the rise of the National Front |
| 1950s | Expands into French-speaking Switzerland |
| 1990s | Sells Grand Passage and Innovation to Globus |
| 2023 | Announces closure due to economic pressures |
| 2025 | Final closure on February 28 |
As Jelmoli prepares to close its doors,it leaves behind a legacy that transcends retail,embodying the evolution of Swiss society and commerce. Its story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by conventional retailers in an increasingly digital world.
The End of an era: Inside the Closure of Jelmoli,Zurich’s Historic Department Store
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As Zurich prepares to bid farewell to its beloved Jelmoli department store in February 2025, the city reflects on the profound legacy of switzerland’s first department store. once a retail giant with 230 locations nationwide, Jelmoli’s closure marks a significant shift in the retail landscape, driven by economic pressures and changing consumer habits. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Dr. Markus Fischer, a historian and retail industry expert, to delve into the rise, fall, and enduring impact of this iconic institution.
The Origins and Rise of Jelmoli
Senior Editor: Dr. Fischer,Jelmoli has been a cornerstone of Zurich’s retail scene since the 1890s. What do you think fueled its rapid rise and success in those early years?
Dr. Fischer: Jelmoli’s success was rooted in its innovative approach to retail. When it opened as Switzerland’s first department store, it introduced a new shopping experience—bringing a wide variety of goods under one roof. This mirrored the success of Parisian department stores like Le Bon Marché. additionally, Jelmoli became a symbol of modernity and progress, particularly for women. It offered better-paying jobs for female employees and catered to a growing consumer class. This dual role as an employer and a retail pioneer helped cement its place in Swiss society.
Jelmoli’s Role in Swiss History
Senior Editor: The store’s history seems deeply intertwined with broader Swiss history. Can you elaborate on how Jelmoli reflected societal changes, especially during challenging times?
Dr. Fischer: Absolutely. Jelmoli’s story is a microcosm of Swiss history. For instance, in the 1930s, during the rise of the National Front, Jelmoli faced boycotts because of its Jewish ownership. This was a dark period in Switzerland, where anti-Semitic sentiments influenced consumer behavior. Despite this, Jelmoli persisted and even expanded in the 1950s, opening locations in French-speaking Switzerland like the Grand Passage in Geneva and Innovation in Lausanne.These expansions reflected the post-war economic boom and the increasing importance of consumer culture.
The Decline of a Retail Giant
Senior Editor: At its peak, Jelmoli operated 230 stores across Switzerland and held stakes in international markets. What led to its decline in recent decades?
dr. Fischer: The decline was multifaceted. Economic pressures, particularly the rise of online commerce, played a significant role. Consumers began shifting away from traditional brick-and-mortar stores, favoring the convenience of online shopping. Additionally, Jelmoli’s location on Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s most expensive street, became a double-edged sword.The exorbitant rents imposed by Swiss Prime Site (SPS), the property owner, placed immense financial strain on the company. This challenge wasn’t unique to Jelmoli—Manor also vacated its Bahnhofstrasse location in 2020 due to similar pressures.
The Cultural Impact of Jelmoli
Senior Editor: Beyond retail, Jelmoli seems to hold a special place in the hearts of Zurich residents. Why do you think it resonated so deeply with the community?
Dr. Fischer: Jelmoli was more than just a store; it was an institution. For many, it evoked cherished childhood memories—perhaps a first visit to the “ice palace,” as its fully glazed facade was affectionately called. It also played a symbolic role in women’s emancipation, offering economic opportunities and a space for women to assert their independence as consumers. As historian Sabine Gisiger aptly put it, Jelmoli was a mirror of consumer society and a beacon of progress for women.
What’s Next for the Bahnhofstrasse Location?
Senior Editor: With Jelmoli’s closure, what does the future hold for its iconic Bahnhofstrasse location?
Dr. Fischer: The space will undergo a conversion reflective of broader trends in Zurich’s urban landscape. Manor, which previously vacated Bahnhofstrasse, will return to partially occupy the building—a symbolic move. The remaining sections will be converted into offices, aligning with the increasing shift from retail to commercial spaces in high-rent areas. This conversion underscores the challenges faced by traditional retailers in maintaining a presence on Zurich’s most prestigious street.
Lessons from Jelmoli’s Legacy
Senior Editor: As Jelmoli prepares to close its doors, what lessons can we draw from its storied history?
Dr. Fischer: Jelmoli’s story is a poignant reminder of the evolving nature of retail and commerce. It highlights the importance of adaptability in the face of economic and societal changes. While its closure marks the end of an era, Jelmoli’s legacy—both as a retail pioneer and a cultural icon—will endure. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of innovation and the enduring impact of institutions that resonate deeply with their communities.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fischer, for your insightful perspectives on this historic moment for Zurich and the retail industry.
