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What started in the early 20th century as a partnership between two local wholesalers has, over 100 years later, become the largest department store chain in Switzerland: Manor is one of the most well-known retailers in the affluent Alpine country and has also successfully established itself in e-commerce.

What makes Manor so attractive to online retailers? Manor stands out with an exceptionally wide reach and a long-standing brand image as a reliable provider of quality products, earning great consumer trust. Selling products on Manor provides access to a vast customer base known for its high loyalty and substantial purchasing power.

However, accessing Manor is highly restrictive, with additional challenges related to logistics, import, and product listing that can significantly increase the organizational and financial effort for sellers.

The simplest and most cost-effective solution is to partner with a local distribution partner like SURS, which helps retailers enter the lucrative Swiss e-commerce market and provides a connection to Manor’s exclusive online business.

What are the advantages of Manor?

For over a century, Manor has been one of the largest retail chains in Switzerland and has successfully made the leap into the world of e-commerce. The corresponding online marketplace was launched in June 2021, allowing external retailers to sell their products directly through the company’s website and benefit from the department store giant’s massive customer base.

With a long-standing tradition and complete market penetration, Manor can confidently be considered an institution in Swiss retail. Similar to GALERIA (formerly Karstadt) in Germany, the company has earned high consumer trust and demonstrates a strong understanding of regional nuances. In categories like beauty, cosmetics, perfume, jewelry, and fashion, Manor has secured a leading market position.

This established presence in the public consciousness has enabled Manor to quickly build a successful online marketplace, which is now among the most recognized e-commerce platforms in Switzerland. Meanwhile, brick-and-mortar retail remains the core business, but the synergy between in-store and online sales, such as Click & Collect, also brings advantages. Manor’s partner products are available in physical stores as well.

Given this unbeatable combination of reach, customer loyalty, and brand recognition, Manor offers an ideal entry point for online retailers looking to establish themselves in the Swiss market.

How large is Manor's reach in Switzerland?

Manor operates in every canton of Switzerland, running 59 department stores, 27 food supermarkets, and 23 restaurants. In non-food retail, Manor is the clear market leader, holding a 60 percent share among department stores.

As one of the country’s most established retail brands, Manor boasts an impressive brand recognition of 98 percent, reaching a universal target audience with no demographic limitations. Although financial data has not been published recently, estimates suggest that total revenue in 2020 was approximately 1.8 billion CHF, making it the leading department store chain in Switzerland.

This market strength helps explain the success of the online marketplace, which has quickly become a prominent player in the Swiss e-commerce landscape. While most sales still occur in traditional stores, the online marketplace remains a strategic focus for Manor. According to the company, the Manor Marketplace already attracts over 50 million visitors per year, indicating a continuous evolution from a traditional retail giant to a versatile omnichannel leader.

What are the conditions for merchants at Manor?

Swiss consumers have exceptionally high standards regarding delivery, returns, and customer service. Therefore, locally based marketplaces are relatively restrictive when selecting potential partners – and Manor is no exception. The company thoroughly reviews all merchants in terms of product range and quality.

To become a Manor partner, the following conditions must be met:

• Swiss VAT number: Manor only processes invoices that comply with Swiss tax regulations, so obtaining a VAT number is essential.

• Multilingual product listings: Switzerland is multilingual, so all product information must be available in at least German and French, ideally also in Italian.

• Responsive customer service: Manor requires its partners to provide reliable and responsive customer service – naturally, this must also be multilingual.

• Efficient logistics process: Swiss customers expect fast delivery times, so merchants must be able to handle shipping and returns within a few working days.

• Accurate inventory updates: According to Manor, operational excellence in managing stock levels and product flows is of high importance.

For partners outside Switzerland, there are additional challenges, since strict import regulations must be observed when exporting goods to Switzerland. Crossing the customs border usually results in additional waiting times and customs duties, posing both financial and logistical burdens.

While these logistical hurdles can be bypassed with a warehouse in Switzerland, this option is often impractical or not cost-effective for most companies. The best solution is a local fulfillment partner like SURS – we take care of the entire delivery and storage process, enabling you to seamlessly connect to Swiss marketplaces.

Are there fees and commissions at Manor?

Manor charges a flat monthly fee of 39 CHF, payable regardless of actual sales.

Additionally, there is a variable commission per unit sold: The exact rate varies by product category, ranging from 7% to 20%. Here are some examples:

There is a clearly defined and transparent fee structure, making it easier for merchants to calculate their profit margins. Payouts are made on the 1st and 15th of each month.

Pricing flexibility for Manor partners: Both the sale price and shipping costs can be set individually. For example, offering free shipping or setting a minimum order value is easily possible due to the flexible conditions of the Manor Marketplace.

How to list products on Manor?

Unlike other marketplaces such as Digitec Galaxus, Manor uses the software Mirakl as its marketplace system. Integrating product data requires additional effort due to the unfamiliar setup, complicating account setup.

SURS is a Swiss distributor offering holistic support to e-commerce businesses entering the Swiss market, going beyond just fulfillment to include marketing and product listing.

What import regulations apply at Manor?

Switzerland has strict import regulations that all marketplaces must adhere to, including Manor. Anyone wishing to sell their products in Switzerland must comply with complex customs and logistics requirements. Since Switzerland is neither part of the European Union (EU) nor the European Economic Area (EEA), goods from abroad are subject to specific customs regulations that are strictly enforced. In a separate article, we have compiled detailed information on what to consider when exporting from other countries to Switzerland.

Important for merchants looking to sell their products on Manor: The marketplace does not offer support in the logistics process. Importers are therefore responsible for handling all customs formalities themselves. Meeting the formal requirements, paying the relevant customs duties, and the Swiss value-added tax (MWST) can be time-consuming and costly in practice, often making selling in Switzerland unprofitable.

To successfully enter the market, fulfillment partners like SURS play a crucial role. We act as your local all-round distribution partner and offer a comprehensive sales solution that covers the entire import process – from customs clearance to storage in Switzerland. This ensures that your products reach customers faster and more efficiently without you having to handle customs formalities. Foreign merchants minimize the risk of delays and additional costs.

What is the best way for non-Swiss merchants to sell on Manor? 

Selling on Manor presents significant profit opportunities for international merchants, but many e-commerce companies fail at the initial stage due to the marketplace's selective partner selection. Additionally, the specific challenges of the Swiss market (customs, import, and storage) can pose insurmountable obstacles both logistically and financially.

To succeed as a non-Swiss merchant on Manor, it is essential to collaborate with a specialized distributor like SURS. We handle all market entry challenges – from customs clearance to compliance with local regulations and local storage – offering a complete all-in-one sales solution that enables merchants to tap into the lucrative Swiss market. Meanwhile, you can fully focus on your core activities while SURS takes care of all operational tasks to ensure smooth and profitable sales on Manor.

FAQs

What are the benefits of selling on Manor?

Manor provides merchants with access to a large and loyal customer base with significant purchasing power. The established brand image and vast reach of Manor make it possible to target a wide audience, significantly boosting sales.

How can merchants benefit from Manor's omnichannel approach?

Manor successfully combines brick-and-mortar retail with e-commerce. Merchants benefit from synergies such as "Click & Collect," where customers can pick up online orders in stores, further increasing sales and reach for sellers.

What challenges should be considered when selling on Manor?

Merchants must independently manage customs and logistics tasks. Additionally, creating detailed product listings and offering multilingual customer service are essential. A practical solution is partnering with a local all-in-one distribution partner like SURS, who handles all logistical matters.

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