Retail trade Drugstore chain Rossmann wants to expand strongly in Switzerland
Following the opening of its first store in Switzerland the previous day in Emmenbrücke LU, the German drugstore chain Rossmann wants to continue its strong expansion in this country. However, the Germans are not interested in Migros cosmetics manufacturer Mibelle.
06.12.2024, 13:42
SDA
"I currently expect to have ten or eleven stores in Switzerland by the end of 2025," said CEO Raoul Rossmann in an interview with the Handelszeitung newspaper. After that, things should move forward quickly - "if everyone plays along well, i.e. landlords, authorities, authorities", said the son of company founder Dirk Rossmann. The drugstore chain announced in mid-2024 that it wanted to open 100 stores in Switzerland in the first five to six years.
"I'm sticking to that," said the company boss. However, the number of 100 stores in five to six years is "probably at the upper end of the possibilities". With 100 locations, he expects annual sales of "rather more" than 400 million francs.
Rossmann's message to the Swiss top dogs Migros and Coop is clear: "It is important for us to significantly undercut the average prices of our Swiss competitors," said Raoul Rossmann. "Preferably in the double-digit percentage range."
No interest in Mibelle
Migros, meanwhile, has many empty spaces due to the sale of its specialist stores, but apparently prefers not to rent these to Rossmann. "I don't get the impression from Migros that they are particularly interested in us as a tenant," says Rossmann in response to a corresponding question.
Conversely, Denner, Migros' discount subsidiary, offers Rossmann products. The Germans do not want to change this: "But no. I have given my word to Denner and I stand by it," assures Rossmann. On the contrary: talks are currently being held about expanding the Rossmann range.
Otherwise, there are apparently few points of contact with Migros. Rossmann is also not interested in buying Migros' industrial subsidiary Mibelle, which is up for sale. "No, we are not interested in Mibelle."
In addition to Switzerland and Germany, Rossmann is also present in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Albania, Kosovo, Turkey, Spain and Denmark. In 2023, the group achieved a turnover of 13.9 billion euros. The company is majority-owned by the family.
