Study reveals Greater Geneva cross-border shopping imbalance
Geneva residents spend three times more than French shoppers during cross-border trips, according to the first-ever study of consumer spending habits in the Greater Geneva region.
The survey published on MondayExternal link found that Swiss residents spend CHF416 million annually in France, compared with CHF148 million paid out by French shoppers in Switzerland. Total annual turnover in the Greater Geneva region is estimated at CHF7 billion.
One quarter of 3,400 households questioned for the survey said they regularly went shopping over the border; 70% said the exchange rate had no influence.
Out of a household budget of CHF100, a Swiss household spends CHF9 in France, whereas French households spend only CHF5 in Geneva, the survey found.
In general, French shoppers travel for specific items or shops in Switzerland, such as the furniture giant Ikea. In contrast, Swiss consumers go to France to buy mainly fresh fish and meat (€60 million), wine and alcoholic beverages (€35 million) and milk-based products (€35 million).
Cross-border shopping and the billions of francs Swiss shoppers spend annually in Germany and France, has become an important question for Swiss businesses and politicians in Bern. The Federal CouncilExternal link is expected to publish a report in May on the impact of the strong Swiss franc, value-added tax and cross-border shopping.
Traffic problem
On Monday, Geneva and French officials downplayed the scale of the cross-border phenomenon in the Geneva region. Geneva President Antonio Hodgers described cross-border expenditure as “marginal and anecdotal”.
The problem, says Hodgers, is the heavy reliance on private vehicles to go shopping over the border rather than public transport, which clogs up already busy roads. The survey found that 88% of Swiss residents take their car to go shopping in France, compared with 85% of French residents.
Local officials are hoping that the launch of Léman Express, a major new cross-border rail system due to start on December 15, can help solve regional transport headaches.
But Geneva shopkeepers remain anxious about the impact of cross-border shopping on their businesses.
“The message given [by the authorities] is not appropriate. We must not downplay the situation. There have never been so many empty arcades in the city of Geneva. Our traders are struggling to make ends meet, and it is often difficult to re-let areas that have to close,” Yves Menoud, head of the Geneva New Organisation of Entrepreneurs (NODE), told reporters on Tuesday.
Switzerland’s second biggest city is at a busy crossroads with France and the Alps. Just under one million people live in the city and extended region known as Greater GenevaExternal link, which includes the Franco-Valdo-Genevois region to Nyon in canton Vaud, Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, Annemasse, Meyrin, Bonneville, Thonon-les-Bains and Geneva. By 2030, the region is forecast to grow by at least 200,000 residents.
More
More
Swiss cities rated most expensive in the world for fun
This content was published on
If it’s cheap recreation and entertainment you want, go to Zurich and Geneva – and keep going.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
This content was published on
The number of cross-border workers in Switzerland – except those from France – has dropped for the second consecutive quarter. This marks the second year-on-year decline by quarter in 20 years.
This content was published on
The time is ripe to properly organise the development of Greater Geneva, Pierre Maudet, the new Geneva president, tells swissinfo.ch.
What to do about Switzerland’s eye-watering prices?
This content was published on
Switzerland remains in a price league of its own, driving thrifty shoppers over its borders. Politicians and consumer groups are now demanding action.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.