The iconic Jelmoli department store, located on Zurich's famous Bahnhofstrasse, is nearing its final days. With its doors set to close permanently on February 28, 2025, the storied establishment is flooding shoppers with significant discounts of up to 70% as part of its liquidation sale. The store, which has been a central figure of shopping tradition for 126 years, is now confronted with the realities of changing consumer habits and the need for renovation.
Shoppers flocked to Jelmoli’s massive sale last Friday morning, eager to take advantage of the deals featured throughout its three remaining operational floors. "Alles muss raus – Jelmoli wirbt mit Rabatten von bis zu 70 Prozent," reported Blick, highlighting the urgency of the sale as scores of customers queued outside the retail giant. Among them was 16-year-old Levi, who expressed disappointment over the discounts, stating, "The prices aren’t nearly as low as I expected, so I didn’t buy anything."
On the other hand, 19-year-old Phansa found the sale to be quite favorable but acknowledged the crowding. He remarked, "The lines at the checkout are too long. I’d rather come back another time to shop." Interestingly, purchasing options at Jelmoli have shifted entirely; only card transactions are accepted as the store no longer allows cash payments.
The atmosphere inside the store underscored the bittersweet nature of the event. Employees expressed their sadness over the closing, with worker Sheraz stating, "Es ist nicht mehr der Jelmoli, den wir kennen" — it is not the Jelmoli we once knew. He and colleague Martina noted the overwhelming number of customers and the frantic energy surrounding the sale. "We have to handle the liquidation ourselves — it’s not normal to see so many people rush through the store like this," they lamented.
These sentiments reflect the nostalgia tied to Jelmoli, which has served the community for over a century. Its closure alerts patrons to the changing dynamics of shopping, as digital alternatives have risen sharply, particularly during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the store's rich legacy remains etched within Zurich’s cultural fabric.
Looking forward, the future of the Jelmoli location is set to transform drastically. According to Swiss Prime Site, the property will undergo renovations post-closure, with plans for Manor to become the main tenant beginning in 2027. Manor is set to occupy approximately 13,000 square meters across three floors, indicating a significant new chapter for the space.
Despite the physical store's demise, Jelmoli’s online presence will persist. The online retail operations under jelmoli-shop.ch will remain active following the department store’s closure, thanks to the distinct legal separation between Jelmoli Versand and the department store. The continuation of online sales indicates Jelmoli's efforts to adapt to modern shopping trends, supplemented by the launch of a new advertising campaign under the slogan "Da, um zu bleiben" — here to stay.
Through the rapid developments at Jelmoli, shoppers and employees alike are experiencing the end of an era. The emotional responses, ranging from nostalgia to the urgency of current sales, radiate throughout this final chapter. While customers seek marked-down clothing and home goods, the history held within Jelmoli's walls cannot be replicated, marking the end of 126 years of tradition.
So as the countdown continues to the closing of this iconic store, the community reflects on the legacy left behind and anticipates the changes the future holds, with Manor stepping boldly onto the scene.