Ex Libris January 30: Migros to Close All Stores, Shift to Galaxus
Ex Libris is entering a new chapter in Switzerland. Migros will close all 15 stores by end-2026 and shift the book business to Galaxus. The move puts Ex Libris fully online and signals faster retail digitization in CH. About 230 employees are affected, and shoppers will use Galaxus for books. We explain what the Migros Galaxus integration means for Swiss retail, where risks and opportunities lie, and what investors should watch next.
Migros’ decision and timeline
Migros plans to wind down the entire Ex Libris store network by the end of 2026. Book sales will migrate to Galaxus, part of Digitec Galaxus, which is Switzerland’s largest online retailer. This is a clear shift to e-commerce for a category long tied to browsing. The closure of 15 sites marks one of the most visible bookstore closures Switzerland has seen in recent years source.
Around 230 employees are affected by the shutdown. We expect a staged wind-down, with local notices and inventory clearance as leases expire. Customers will see more book range and faster delivery on Galaxus, while communities lose a cultural touchpoint. For investors, this confirms that scale and logistics matter more than shelf space in 2026 retail source.
Market impact in Switzerland
Consolidating Ex Libris into Galaxus concentrates online book demand under one platform with significant traffic and logistics. This could raise price transparency, expand availability of niche titles, and increase cross-selling. Competitors like Orell Füssli and Amazon face a stronger digital rival. We see more promotional intensity online, with loyalty programs and delivery perks steering repeat purchases across categories.
Bookstore closures Switzerland signals pressure on mid-size mall units. Landlords may relet space to services, food, or health tenants that drive visits. For retail investors, watch vacancy trends in secondary centers and any rent reversion. The shift also nudges publishers and distributors to optimize direct-to-consumer channels and refine data on preorders, returns, and subscription models.
Investor watchpoints for the transition
We suggest tracking order fill rates, delivery times, return rates, and average basket size on Galaxus books. Monitor how fast Ex Libris customers migrate to online accounts and newsletter engagement. Supplier terms, in-stock rates for bestsellers, and pre-release conversion will show whether the Migros Galaxus integration improves margins and cash conversion.
Key risks include customer churn from store closures, local community pushback, and delivery bottlenecks during peaks. Opportunities lie in lower fixed costs, broader online assortment, and smarter promotions. If execution is smooth, Ex Libris could gain reach while preserving brand equity online. We expect more click-and-collect and lockers to support convenience in CH.
Final Thoughts
For Swiss investors, the closure of Ex Libris stores and the pivot to Galaxus highlight a clear retail direction in CH. Fixed costs are falling, logistics and data are rising in value, and customer reach is shifting online. The winners will execute on availability, delivery speed, and pricing clarity without eroding margins. We recommend tracking customer migration from stores to Galaxus, delivery KPIs, and publisher partnerships through 2026. If the integration lifts conversion and reduces returns, the online book channel should become more profitable. For communities, cultural loss is real, but the digital shelf will expand choice and improve convenience across Switzerland.
FAQs
Why is Ex Libris closing physical stores in Switzerland?
Migros is moving the Ex Libris book business online to cut fixed costs and scale logistics on Galaxus. Shopping has shifted to e-commerce, where selection, price transparency, and delivery speed are stronger. Consolidation on one platform should improve assortment, promotions, and profitability while keeping the brand active for Swiss readers.
How many jobs are affected by the Ex Libris closures?
About 230 employees are affected as Migros closes 15 Ex Libris stores by end-2026. The transition will occur in stages. Impact will differ by location and lease terms. Investors should watch official updates for any redeployment options, timing of closures, and how service levels are maintained during the shift to Galaxus.
What does the move mean for Swiss shoppers?
Customers will find the Ex Libris book assortment on Galaxus with broader availability and faster delivery. Expect stronger promotions, easier price comparison, and better stock visibility. Local browsing will decline as stores close, so convenience will depend on reliable logistics, pickup options, and clear return policies across Switzerland.
What should investors monitor during the Migros Galaxus integration?
Track migration of Ex Libris customers to online accounts, delivery and return metrics, bestseller availability, and average basket size. Also watch marketing spend efficiency, publisher partnerships, and customer reviews. Stable service levels and improving margins would signal the shift is creating lasting value in Switzerland’s retail market.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
