In just one year, the City of Geneva has seen vacant retail space soar by 39%, between June 2024 and June 2025.
The increase is striking, especially as the rest of the canton saw only a modest 4% rise, according to the Cantonal Statistics Office (OCSTAT).
The reasons are complex.
Online shopping and the ease of cross-border purchases in France weigh heavily, while stricter leasing conditions and soaring rents make it increasingly difficult for new retailers to establish themselves.
But industry voices highlight a deeper shift.
They say many retailers fail to adapt to digital realities, lacking websites or social media strategies.
Experts conclude this is less of a sudden collapse and more of a structural transformation, traditional retail is shrinking, weaker players are squeezed out, and only those able to navigate higher costs and digital competition will remain.
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