During the next 18 months, 20 to 30 ex libris branches will be closed in Switzerland. This according to Ernst Dieter Berninghaus. As a member of the general board of directors he is responsible for the trading chain. In total the trading subsidiary of Migros has 113 shops offering books and media at the moment. There is also an ex libris web-shop. According to Berninghaus 30 percent of the turnover is generated via this web-shop. "Ex libris has serious problems in the very difficult marketing environment" according to Berninghaus.
Because of the closures jobs will also disappear, but according to Berninghaus there should not be too many, as only small shops are involved. The on-line trade is one of the most strategic themes for Migros during the next few years, as mentioned by Berninghaus. Consumers are not only served in the branches, but should also be assisted on-line. "Only those who control this teamwork will be successful in ten year's time" he mentions.