Migros and Coop are Switzerland’s two largest supermarket chains, with branches in almost every city and village, which makes either one the default stop for groceries whether you’re a local or just passing through. LIDL sits alongside them as the discount option. We leaned on all three at different points of the trip, mostly based on whichever one happened to be closest to the station.
Private Label: The Easiest Way to Save
The simplest way to cut grocery costs here is sticking to private label products. M-Budget at Migros, Prix Garantie at Coop, and LIDL’s own house brand all run cheaper than national brands, while still meeting the same Swiss food safety standards.
Figure: A Migros storefront, one of the two chains you’ll run into almost everywhere.
When the Discounts Show Up
Fresh food discounts usually appear right before closing time. Bread, ready-to-eat meals, salads, and other fresh items nearing their sell-by date often get marked down, though the size of the discount depends on the branch and what’s left in stock that day.
Best time to shop for discounts
| Product | Best Time |
|---|---|
| Bakery | Just before closing |
| Sandwiches | Evening |
| Salads | Just before closing |
| Ready meals | Just before closing |
| Fresh produce | Depends on stock |
Alcohol and a Few Local Rules
Migros doesn’t sell alcohol or cigarettes. If you need either, Coop, LIDL, ALDI, or a nearby Denner, which is often located close to a Migros, are the usual alternatives.
Most supermarkets in Switzerland also close on Sundays. Only a handful of branches, mainly at major train stations, airports, or select locations, stay open with limited hours. It’s worth stocking up before the weekend.
Sunday survival guide
| Day | Supermarkets |
|---|---|
| Monday–Saturday | Generally open |
| Sunday | Mostly closed |
| Major stations and airports | Some branches stay open |
Coop and LIDL: Where to Find Them
Figure: A Coop branch, typically found close to stations and city centers.
Location patterns differ between the three chains. Coop branches are more often found near train stations, city centers, and tourist areas. LIDL tends to run larger stores set a bit further out, usually in suburban or residential areas. Migros covers both types of locations, from city-center spots to shopping centers.
Figure: A LIDL branch, generally the discount option if you’re doing a full weekly shop.
Coop also has an advantage if you’ve just gotten off a train and want something to eat right away: it typically sells ready-to-eat bakery items for around CHF 3, a decent way to hold off hunger without sitting down for a full meal.
Supermarket Souvenirs
Figure: Swiss chocolate and snacks at Migros, generally cheaper than souvenir shops.
Supermarket souvenirs are often cheaper than what’s sold in dedicated tourist shops. Swiss chocolate, biscuits, herbal tea, and other small souvenirs tend to be priced more competitively. Migros in particular sometimes carries standard Swiss souvenirs like magnets for around CHF 9.
Loyalty Programs
Both major chains have free loyalty programs worth signing up for if you’re staying a while: Cumulus for Migros and Supercard for Coop. Both work through an app and often unlock member-only discounts.
Payment and Food Quality
Almost every supermarket in Switzerland accepts debit cards, credit cards, and contactless payment, so there’s little need to carry much cash. Food quality standards are also strict across the board. Fresh produce, meat, and dairy all follow tight Swiss food safety regulations, which means even the private label products tend to hold up well.
Which One Fits You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the cheapest overall prices | LIDL |
| Just got off the train | Coop |
| Want a ready-to-eat meal | Coop |
| Want quality private label | Migros |
| Want an affordable souvenir | Migros |
| Are doing a weekly shop | LIDL |
| Need picnic food while traveling | Migros or Coop |
Price Examples
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bakery item | From about CHF 3 |
| Sandwich | CHF 4–7 |
| Bananas | CHF 2–4/kg |
| Bottled water | About CHF 1 |
| Swiss magnet | From about CHF 9 (some Migros branches) |