We are delighted to feature Orell Füssli as our Retailer of the Month for June. One of the largest general book shops in Zurich, Orell Füssli is part of a larger group of companies that also publish and print books.
With a thoughtfully curated selection of books and a focus on products that surprise and delight, the shop is a staple on the Zurich book scene. We caught up with the team to learn more about their shop.
So Vera, tell us a bit about your shop?
We are the flagship store of Switzerland’s oldest bookshop chain. What makes our shop unique is, in particular, the English section on the third floor, where we stock fantastic brands such as Victoria Eggs.
Here, locals, expats and tourists alike will find an interesting selection of Anglo-Saxon products – quality and uniqueness are our selection criteria. Orell Füssli has branches throughout Switzerland; we are based in Zurich on the bustling Bahnhofstrasse.
Describe your shop in three words.
Big, yet lovingly curated (count those as 2?!)
Full of surprises
What’s important to you as a shop owner/manager?
That we can offer wonderful, unique items that cater to a wide range of tastes without being 'mainstream'.
We always strive to be sure that our products:
Are something special
Are carefully curated
Bring joy
What do you love most about running your shop?
I love it when I’m restocking the shop and I hear customers say, “I actually just wanted to pick up a book, but now I’ve found so many lovely things again that I simply have to have.”
Tell us a little about your customers.
Our customers include bookworms, students, expats and tourists. The age range spans from babies (who don’t buy anything themselves yet, but usually receive a cute toy or book) to teenagers and right up to the elderly.
What’s your favourite season in the shop?
That is Christmas, of course! Everyone comes to us because they know they’ll find a special gift here. We sell a lot, and it’s lovely to see ‘my’ items being given as gifts, bringing joy.
Why do you choose to stock Victoria Eggs?
Because we love the beautiful designs. Speaking from personal experience, I can say that these products are very effective in relieving sudden bouts of homesickness for London!
What’s your favourite Victoria Eggs collection?
As a fan of gold and glitter it has to be Quintessentially London. But I love them all!
Where can people find you?
Orell Füssli Thalia AG, Kramhof & The Bookshop, Füsslistrasse 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland