Jelmoli, the iconic Zurich department store, closed its doors for the last time on Friday after 126 years of operation. What was once known as the “Glass Palace” on Bahnhofstrasse, has bid farewell to customers with a clearance sale that attracted both bargain hunters and loyal customers who wanted to say goodbye to a piece of the city’s history.
For many Zurich residents, Jelmoli was more than just a department store – it was a childhood landmark, a place for special purchases, or a reliable meeting spot in the heart of the city. It was therefore difficult for customers to walk through the half-empty floors on this last day, with empty shelves and discounted prices and amidst it all, a few tears were shed.
The last day was especially emotional for the employees, many of whom had been part of the “Jelmoli family” for decades. During an internal address in the morning, tears flowed – the personal stories tied to this place are too entwined. “It hurts to leave this place” said an employee who wished to remain anonymous, as the company’s communication with the media was prohibited.
Despite the sadness, a light at the end of the tunnel remains for many employees: most have already found new jobs, with many moving to Globus or Manor. However, the special atmosphere and team spirit at Jelmoli will be missed.
The loyal customers must also adjust to the new reality. Angela, a passionate hobby chef from the US, had lived in Zurich for eight years and swore by Jelmoli’s delicatessen department.
Her last purchase: olive oil and other specialties, all at half price. “I’ll probably start shopping at Globus from now on – that’s the only comparable address now” she said.
“The quality of the food was unbeatable” the customer reported.
Jelmoli was more than just a business – it was a pioneer, a meeting point and a stage for the consumer history of Switzerland. Since 1899, the house had shaped the Zurich city center. However, the times changed: online shopping, changed consumer behavior and rising rent prices made the stationary retail trade a hard life. In February 2023, the owner, Swiss Prime Site, decided to give up the iconic address.
What follows is a new beginning. In 2027, Manor will take over the spaces, after a comprehensive renovation and reorientation. Besides sales floors, there will be restaurants, offices and a publicly accessible rooftop restaurant.
Erai, 32, is the last Jelmoli customer and in doing so, he becomes a part of Zurich’s city history. The fact that a recently arrived German takes on this role has a certain irony. However, this also shows what Jelmoli once was: an open house, a meeting point for all, from the Zurich old-timer to the new arrival from abroad.
As Erai is bid farewell with applause, a hollow feeling remains for many regular customers. Jelmoli was more than a department store – it was a place full of memories, traditions and small rituals. From the legendary Märlitram to the elegant shop windows: Jelmoli was a piece of Zurich’s soul.
Now, only the façade remains – until it too will disappear. And with it, an era of Zurich’s retail trade, a history written. Erai might not remember what he bought at Jelmoli in a few years, but he will never forget being the last customer.