In Swiss cities, especially in Zurich, it can be hard to find a place to rent, even if you are a 200-year-old world-famous music shop. Now, the Musik Hug store in the heart of Zurich is offering a free 13.000-franc piano to anyone that can find them a new place to set up shop.

Musik Hug appeals to the Zurich public to find new store

"Hey Züri, we're looking for a new place to live", noted a sign in the window of the Musik Hug shop on the Limmatquai. According to the poster, anyone who knows an empty shop in the city of Zurich with 2.000 square metres of shopping space, a goods lift and good road and pedestrian access should give the 200-year-old company a call.

What’s more, “If we find what we are looking for thanks to your support, we will give you a piano as a thank you”, the poster read. For providing the vital information, the shop will give you a Hoffmann piano made by German international company Bechstein, worth an eye-watering 13.000 Swiss francs.

High rental costs forces famous music shop out of store

Speaking to 20 Minuten, Musik Hug explained that they will be forced to move away from their famous location on the Limmatquai in 2025. A special lease agreement had kept the company’s rental costs low, but once the rental contract expires in two years' time, the firm would have to pay normal rent - which, considering the shop is sandwiched between two of the city's most famous historical sites, would be completely unaffordable.

The project manager for Musik Hug, Sandro Peduzzi, told the Tages-Anzeiger that he hoped the surroundings of their new home would suit the brand's high-class reputation. "The move can also be an opportunity to modernise the shop", he added, noting that in the age of Spotify top 10s, Apple Music and mobile phones, the firm should switch from CDs to selling more instruments and sheet music.

Musik Hug already in talks over Zurich relocation

With such an intriguing offer, Peduzzi said that most tips so far have been jokes, with some wise guys and gals suggesting that the offices of the recently-embattled Swiss bank Credit Suisse could be an excellent choice. However, among the jokes, he confirmed that the idea has produced some results: they are already in talks with five venues regarding their relocation.

Thumb image: Shutterstock.com / Judith Linine