126 years after it first opened to the public, the largest department store in Switzerland will open its doors for the last time on February 28. Though the floors and aisles of Jelmoli will be consigned to the history books, well wishers will be able to take a piece of the store home with them.

Jelmoli in Zurich to close permanently

At 7pm on February 28, 2025, Jelmoli will close its iconic Bahnhofstrasse home in Zurich for the last time. Though it was originally set to close at the end of 2024, both the store and the owners of the building agreed to keep the shop running for two months more.

Until closing time, shoppers will be able to buy the very last items in stock for a cut price. If you want an extra special souvenir, Jelmoli are also selling mannequins, hangers and other parts of their inventory.

Jelmoli: Switzerland's oldest and largest department store

Though mostly known for its giant department store, Jelmoli started out as a mail order business in the 19th century. By the 1930s and 40s, its catalogue had the second largest print circulation in Switzerland, only after the phone book.

In 1899, Jelmoli opened its first branch on the site we know and love today - the first-ever purpose-built department store in Switzerland. With its stunning glass panels and multiple floors, Jelmoli changed how people shopped. For instance, it was one of the first stores in Switzerland to offer regular sales and fixed rather than haggled prices. 

This formula proved a big success, with the company growing consistently from the 1940s to the 1980s. By 1988, its flagship store on Bahnhofstrasse had expanded, and it owned 230 other branches across Swiss cities and cantons. However, following a decline in demand during the 1990s, it gradually sold off all its stores, bar the “Glass Palace” in Zurich.

Finally, with more people turning to the internet to get their shopping fix and the rental and utility costs of its Bahnhofstrasse home spiralling, Jelmoli confirmed in February 2023 that it could not continue trading. Attempts to rescue the store via a buyout from an international company or local entrepreneur failed.

What will happen to the Jelmoli store in Zurich?

Though the store itself will no longer exist after February 28, Swiss Prime Site - the owners of the building - promised that the “Jelmoli house will remain one of the largest and most attractive shopping destinations on Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse in the future." After two years of renovation, Manor will move in and take over the basement, ground floor, and first floor of the site.

Founded in Lucerne in 1902, Manor is one of Switzerland's largest department store chains, sporting 59 stores, 27 supermarkets and 23 restaurants. Interestingly, they were also forced to close their original Zurich flagship store on Bahnhofstrasse in 2020 after failing to agree on a rental contract with the site’s owners. In addition, the higher floors will be converted into offices, and a rooftop restaurant and leisure facility will also be built. 

Luckily for those who still want to shop at a store called “Jelmoli”, the brand will live on online. The jelmoli-shop has been separate from the department store since the 1990s, though still offers the same range of products as the store.

Thumb image credit: Michael Derrer Fuchs / Shutterstock.com