More vacant shops in Geneva

Thursday, 19 March 2026 06:30

Vacant shopfronts are on the rise in Geneva, with commercial vacancies now at their highest level since 1994.

The city alone saw a 39 percent increase in empty retail spaces over the past year.

Experts say around 250 shopfronts are currently vacant, warning the situation could worsen without action.

The trend is spreading across the country, with cities like Lausanne and Yverdon also affected.

Analysts point to online shopping, falling purchasing power, and high rents as key factors behind the decline of traditional retail.

More from Bitesize News

Cable car crashes to the ground, killing a woman.

A cable car crashed to the ground in central Switzerland yesterday morning and a woman died.
Dengue virus found in Basel

The Dengue virus has been detected for the first time in Switzerland, in mosquitoes found in Basel.
Men on trial for blackmailing suspected pedophile

Two men, aged in their twenties, are on trial in Fribourg for attempting to lure a suspected child molester online.
Small exception for cross border student ban

Geneva’s State Council has slightly eased rules on cross-border students, allowing children already in primary school to stay until the end of elementary education.
Swiss 'sex map' shows Bern most experimental

A new study is shedding light on our intimate habits.
Fire victims couldn't escape due to blocked exit

New CCTV analysis has revealed further critical and tragic details in the New Year’s Eve fire at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana that killed 41 people.