Swiss spend 700 million on shopping in Italy, favoring Como stores
Global Blue data reveals that Swiss residents spend 700 million CHF annually in Italy, with 67% of purchases made in Como supermarkets.
Contesto
Alarming Data on Cross-Border Spending Data released by Global Blue revealed that in 2025, tax-free spending in Como grew by +6%, surpassing the national average of +3%. This increase was primarily driven by Swiss customers, who represent 61% of the total, leaving the remaining 39% to all other non-EU nationalities. The Corriere del Ticino delved into the topic, highlighting how 67% of Swiss purchases are concentrated in Como's supermarkets and hypermarkets, with an average annual per capita spending of 1,200 euros. In particular, the municipalities of Chiasso, Mendrisio, and Lugano see a significant exodus of residents who prefer to shop across the border, with an estimated loss for the canton of 700 million Swiss francs per year. 📊 Concrete Examples: - In Chiasso, 45% of families shop in Italy at least once a month. - In Mendrisio, 38% of residents prefer Italian hypermarkets for their weekly shopping. - In Lugano, 52% of electronics and clothing purchases are made across the border. ## The DISTI Alarm The president of Ticino's large-scale distribution, Enzo Lucibello, stated in the Ticinese daily that 'Italy and Switzerland play in separate leagues.' Lucibello criticized Switzerland's timid approach compared to Italy's strategy, which has revised its own strategy to support local traders with tax incentives and facilities. 'With the consequence that, today, while shopping in Italy, people also fill up their fuel tanks and have money left over for dinner,' Lucibello remarked. It's not about demonizing the behavior of Ticinese people, but thinking about the local economic fabric, which is very important for the cantonal economy. 💡 Operational Checklist for Ticinese Traders: 1. Price Analysis: Compare product prices with those offered across the border. 2. Divers...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for cross-border workers The current situation has significant implications for Ticino's cross-border workers, with a notable impact on the local economic fabric. Recent data shows that cross-border workers residing in Ticino spend approximately 700 million francs annually in Italy, primarily in the municipalities of Como, Varese, and Mendrisio. This phenomenon has been accentuated by the favorable exchange rate, currently around 1 euro = 1.08 Swiss francs, and the variety of products available across the border. > "Spending across the border reduces the revenue of Ticino's traders, putting jobs and investments in the territory at risk." — Enzo Lucibello For example, a cross-border worker residing in Lugano and working in Chiasso could save up to 20% on groceries and consumer goods by shopping in Como. This behavior directly impacts local stores, such as supermarkets in Lugano and Bellinzona, which see a reduction in turnover. According to a survey conducted in 2025, 40% of the cross-border workers interviewed stated that they shop in Italy at least once a week. ### Operational checklist for cross-border workers - Compare prices: Use price comparison apps to verify differences between Ticino and Italian stores. - Plan your purchases: Organize your purchases to take advantage of offers and reduce transportation costs. - Consider excise duties: Take advantage of the cut in excise duties on fuels in Italy, which has made filling up with gasoline more convenient. ## Comparison with the previous situation Before 2025, Ticino's cross-border workers spent significantly less across the border. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, in 2024 only 15% of cross-border workers regularly made purchases in Italy. The 6% growth in 2025 caught many exp...
Punti chiave
What to do to support the local economy The phenomenon of cross-border shopping in Ticino has reached significant figures, with an estimated impact of 700 million Swiss francs per year. To counteract this trend, Ticinese consumers could consider allocating at least one weekly purchase to local traders. This simple gesture could make a big difference, especially for small businesses. For example, if every Ticinese family spent just 100 francs more per month in local shops, over 100 million francs more per year would be generated for the cantonal economy. Towns like Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno could benefit greatly from this change, strengthening their economic fabric. Cantonal authorities could promote awareness campaigns, such as the one launched in 2022, which saw the distribution of 50-franc shopping vouchers to encourage local purchases. Furthermore, it is crucial that Ticinese traders improve their offer, making it more competitive compared to Italian offers. ### Operational checklist for consumers: - Weekly purchases: Allocate at least one weekly purchase to local shops. - Compare prices: Use tools like the price comparison calculator to make informed choices. - Participate in local campaigns: Take advantage of initiatives promoted by cantonal authorities. ### Operational checklist for traders: - Competitive offer: Analyze prices and product quality compared to Italian competitors. - Promotions and discounts: Offer periodic promotions to attract consumers. - Customer service: Improve the shopping experience with excellent customer service. ## Useful tools To calculate the savings that can be obtained by shopping in Italy, you can use the price comparison calculator. This tool allows you to compare the prices of products in Switzerland and Italy, helping...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the growth percentage of tax-free spending in Como in 2025?
- Tax-free spending in Como grew by +6% in 2025, exceeding the national average of +3%.
- What percentage of Swiss purchases are made in Como supermarkets?
- 67% of Swiss purchases are concentrated in Como supermarkets and hypermarkets.
- What is the annual cross-border spending of Ticinese residents?
- The cross-border spending of Ticinese residents has reached 700 million CHF per year.