The Swiss organisation of entrepreneurs Economiesuisse recently issued an unmodified critique on the trading giants Migros and Coop. Both are accused of keeping prices artificially high - especially with branded articles.
Economiesuisse published a note in which the organisation mentions measures in the fight against import tourism. Both trading giants Migros and Coop cannot get rid of their responsibility according to Economiesuisse. Despite Aldi and Lidl the market concentration is too high for intensive competition. "What makes this even worse, is that Migros and Coop are not at all interested in low prices for branded articles, as these could otherwise become stronger competition for their house marks," the German newspaper 'Der Sonntag' quote from the memorandum of Economiesuisse. The many discounts would make sure that Coop and Migros can keep the high price level in general and in this way keep their average margin. The own brands of the chains are being sold as inexpensive alternatives.
Migros and Coop do not accept the accusations. Coop stresses that they have decreased the price of hallmarks and housemarks to the same extent. And Migros announce that as a protest, they have discontinued a number of hallmark articles.