Joos Sutter of the Swiss supermarket chain Coop expect 2013 to be a difficult year for the Swiss retail sector. During an interview with the Swiss newspaper "Die
Nordwestschweiz' he mentioned that he was worried because of the competition from discounters. But also border tourism is a source of difficulties for the Swiss retail sector.
"The buying tourism will remain a problem with slight fluctuations up and down. We, traders, have to adjust to this new situation," Sutter declared in a discussion with 'Die Nordwestschweiz'. He is optimistic because of the coming Christmas period. "I expect to reach a good turnover round Christmas," said Sutter. "Consumption was very stable during the last few months."
In the discussion with the newspaper the Coop-manager made it clear, that they, contrary to Migros, do not want to be active within the retail sector abroad. "This does not apply to us," as per Sutter. "We stay with the Swiss trade."