Why is 20 minutes removing its street distribution boxes?

The brand is completing its move to digital. Retiring the boxes ends costly print and logistics while matching how Swiss readers consume news on phones. The decision supports faster publishing cycles, better measurement, and ad formats that perform on mobile. It aligns with TX Group’s focus on leaner, digital-first operations.

What happens to the old boxes and why does it matter?

Some boxes are sold to the public for CHF 20, a handful go to museums, and the rest are recycled. This preserves a slice of urban culture while closing a capital-heavy system. It also signals permanent cost removal in printing and distribution, a positive for operating leverage at a free, ad-supported brand.

How could this change TX Group’s financial profile?

Lower fixed costs can lift margins when ad markets soften, and improve operating leverage when demand recovers. Digital-only lets TX Group shift spending to product and data, which can raise ad yield. Risks remain from ad cyclicality, privacy rules, and platform dependence, so delivery on engagement metrics is critical.

What should Swiss investors watch in 2026 after this digital pivot?

Focus on monthly active users, time spent, push opt-in rates, and ad yield by format. Track direct versus programmatic revenue, video and branded content growth, and any unit cost savings from print exit. Also monitor privacy policy changes and competitive moves that might affect traffic, targeting, and pricing.

Global Market Insights

January 2: 20 Minutes Sells and Recycles Boxes in All‑Digital Pivot

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

20 minutes is moving fully to digital, marking a clear break with print distribution in Switzerland. The brand is decommissioning its street boxes, selling some to the public for CHF 20, donating a few to museums, and recycling the rest. For investors, this shows TX Group’s ongoing cost focus and the Swiss media digital shift. We explain what changes on the ground, how ad economics evolve, and which metrics in 2026 will matter most for returns.