Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Geneva
Timetable
The stores are open from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, everything is closed, except for the shopping malls under the Cornavin station and at the airport. During the end of the year period, some stores may be open on Sunday, especially in Carouge.
The opening hours are from 9 or 10 am to 6 or 7 pm during the week. Thursday is a special day with a nocturne for some stores (shopping centers in general), closing time is 9pm.
Budget & Tips
Regular clothes in department stores like H&M and C&A are competitive. Ready-to-wear is generally more expensive than in France. You'll find thrift shops selling off-price luxury goods. This is one of the city's advantages.
Shoe prices are also attractive. Concept stores are often a little less accessible, but always very original.
Tax exemption. You can apply for a VAT refund using the VAT refund form, which must be stamped by a Swiss customs office. In Switzerland, VAT is 7% and is included in the sale price. If your purchase reaches CHF 300 in the same store, you will be entitled to a VAT refund. To apply, contact a Global Fund office. There is a kiosk for this purpose at Geneva airport.
Sales
The legislation is very flexible and sales can last all year long. However, there are two main periods: one near the end of the year and another at the beginning of the summer.
What's very local
The markets are still in fashion and encourage meetings with the producers of the canton. You will find the list of the 28 markets by heading, day and place on this site: www.genevemarches.ch
For urbanites, the Halles de Rive is an invitation to enjoy local products of high quality: www.halle-de-rive.ch
Second hand stores. A vintage feel hangs over the city and many people are into buying second hand. You will find them in all ranges and all over the city. The big stores are Vêt'Shop on rue de Carouge and Point Rouge Caritas.
Treat yourself with Swiss products. Watches of course! They are everywhere and you will have an incredible choice. Rue du Rhône is good for high-end houses and you will find a Swatch store in Rue du Marché. There are some second hand stores selling luxury watches, so be careful and ask about their value. The shopping centers (Manor, Globus, Balexert...) all have watch stores. At the time of the sales, it is worthwhile to go through these spaces.
The three floors of the Victorinox store invite you to discover all the brand's products and to make your own knife. Please note that it is not allowed to carry it in your hand luggage.
It is not customary tohaggle.
Tourist traps
Chocolate is the favorite souvenir of visitors. The Geneva craftsmen excel in this field. The advantage of choosing chocolate makers is that you can taste and choose. Instead of choosing souvenir stores, prefer to buy chocolate from the big Swiss brands in the shopping malls. The Coop and Migros have their own brands, which are very good.