Swiss spend 700 million on shopping in Italy, favoring Como stores

Context

TL;DR

• Swiss shoppers spend 700M CHF yearly in Italy
• 67% of Swiss purchases in Como supermarkets
• Average Swiss spends 1,200 EUR/year in Italy
• Strong franc saves Swiss up to 20% on products

Key facts

• Total spending: 700 million Swiss francs per year in Italy
• Swiss shoppers: 61% of total tax-free spending in Como
• Spending growth: +6% in 2025, surpassing national average
• Average spending: 1,200 euros per capita annually in Como
• Key municipalities: Chiasso, Mendrisio, and Lugano see significant exodus for shopping
• Exchange rate: 1 euro = 1.08 Swiss francs, making Italian shopping cheaper
• Tax incentives: Italy offers tax incentives for traders since 2023
• Cross-border workers: 40% shop in Italy at least once a week in 2025

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. Diversification of Offer: Introduce exclusive or niche products not easily found in Italy. 3. Additional Services: Offer services such as home delivery or loyalty discounts. 4. Targeted Promotions: Launch promotional campaigns during periods of high influx of Italian customers.

The Exchange Rate Factor and Variety of Offer

Another factor that makes cross-border shopping even more appealing to Swiss people is the strong franc. With a favorable exchange rate, Ticinese consumers can save up to 20% on many products. 'But it's also a matter of supply. In Como, you can find a variety of shops and products that we can't guarantee here,' concluded Davide Rampoldi, president of the Mendrisiotto Traders' Society.

📊 Practical Scenario Comparison:

• Scenario 1: A Ticinese family spends an average of 800 Swiss francs per month on groceries in Italy, saving about 15% compared to local prices.
• Scenario 2: An electronics purchase of 1,000 Swiss francs in Italy can cost up to 30% less thanks to the favorable exchange rate and promotions.

⚠️ Regulations and Incentives:

• Italy: Since 2023, tax incentives for traders investing in digital and sustainable technologies.
• Switzerland: Since 2024, incentives for shops offering fast and sustainable delivery services.

Operational details

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 experts by surprise, who did not expect such a rapid increase. This rise was influenced by several factors, including the improvement of road and rail infrastructure connecting Ticino to Lombardy.

📊 Data comparison

• 2024: 15% of cross-border workers made purchases in Italy.
• 2025: 40% of cross-border workers make purchases in Italy.
• Average savings: 20% on groceries and consumer goods.

The current situation is also influenced by the recent cut in excise duties on fuels decided by the Italian government, which has made it even more convenient to fill up in Italy. For example, the price of gasoline in Como is currently around 1.70 euros per liter, compared to 1.90 Swiss francs in Lugano.

Future scenarios

If the trend continues, it is likely that more and more Ticino residents will choose to shop in Italy. This could put increased pressure on local traders, who may be forced to reduce prices or close down. It is crucial that the cantonal authorities find solutions to support the local commercial sector, perhaps through incentives or tax breaks.

💡 Possible solutions

• Tax incentives: Reduction of VAT on some products to make local stores more competitive.
• Promotion of local commerce: Marketing campaigns to encourage purchases in Ticino.
• Collaboration with municipalities: Creation of partnerships between Ticino municipalities and traders to offer discounts and promotions.

⚠️ Warnings

• Impact on the labor market: The closure of local stores could lead to a reduction in the number of jobs.
• Risk of commercial desertification: Some areas of Ticino could become commercial wastelands, with a negative impact on the quality of life.

In conclusion, the current situation requires coordinated action between the cantonal authorities, traders, and cross-border workers to find a balance that supports the local economy without penalizing consumers.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

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 consumers make more informed choices.

For example, a comparison between the prices of a supermarket in Como and one in Lugano showed that, for an average spend of 200 francs, you can save up to 15% by shopping in Italy. However, it is important to also consider transport costs and the time taken to reach Italian shops.

For those interested in knowing the latest tax news, you can consult the guide to withholding tax. In particular, from 2023, Ticinese residents who work in Italy must declare the income earned abroad, with a tax rate ranging from 10% to 30% depending on the income.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current situation requires joint action by consumers, traders, and authorities to ensure a sustainable future for the local economy. Supporting Ticinese traders is fundamental to maintaining a healthy and prosperous economic fabric.

"The local economy is a fragile ecosystem that needs the support of everyone to thrive." - A representative of the Ticino Department of Economy.

To make a difference, it is essential that each actor involved plays their part: consumers by shopping locally, traders by improving their offer, and authorities by promoting support initiatives. Only through collective commitment can the phenomenon of cross-border shopping be effectively countered and the Ticinese economy strengthened.

Source: comozero.it