Mall of Switzerland: interim assessment after one year

The Mall of Switzerland is taking positive stock of its one-year anniversary: since opening a year ago, 3.9 million visitors have taken advantage of the shopping and dining options or attended one of the more than 50 events and functions at the mall, they say.

This means that the mall has clearly missed its self-imposed target of five million visitors, but the mall managers remain relaxed: "Experience shows that it takes three to five years for a center of this size to achieve the targeted frequencies," says Director Jan Wengeler. In the long term, they are now aiming for 4.5 to five million visitors a year.

Occupancy rate: 84 percent

Currently, 84 percent of the mall's space is reportedly leased, and French furniture designer Maisons du Monde and fashion label Superdry will move in before the end of the year. A group practice run by Lucerne-based MedCenter is also scheduled to open in December.

Migros, as the largest tenant, is satisfied with the first year, according to the statement, also because it has succeeded in building up a regular clientele. The Ebikon municipality says that "acceptance of the new shopping experience is increasing from month to month".

Overall, Jan Wengeler takes a positive view of both the launch and the mall's potential for the coming years: "We have been able to gather valuable experience in the first twelve months, which we will use for further development in the interests of visitors and the stores in the mall. The concept of the Mall of Switzerland has proven itself," he says.

The Mall of Switzerland opened on November 8, 2017. With a total area of 65,000 square meters, it is the second-largest shopping and leisure center in Switzerland. The concept includes a mix of stores and eateries with leisure and sports facilities, such as a surfing facility and cinemas. (ah)