The retail landscape of Swiss watches has seen a paradigm shift over the past decade, with many brands reducing the number of specialist retailers they work with. However, this trend towards a more selective network of high-quality partners has not been welcomed by all retailers.
Brands like Audemars Piguet, Zenith, Rado, and Breitling have focused on creating a more selective network of high-quality partners. This has gained momentum as brands like Omega have led the way towards opening mono-brand boutiques.
While these changes have limited the flexibility and creativity of smaller businesses in smaller cities, some retailers are finding success by focusing on providing a unique and curated selection of watches. By offering a personalized shopping experience and excellent service, retailers like Marco Galli and Dominik Maegli have managed to thrive in the changing landscape of the watch industry.
The rise of independent specialist retailers like Maegli’s “Watchthings” store in Bern demonstrates that there is still a place for innovative and customer-centric retail concepts in the world of luxury watches. Watch brands used to court dealers in the past, but now many dealers find themselves only receiving orders. However, there are signs of change as the multi-brand boutique concept is not dead. Brands like Zenith, Rado, and Breitling have focused on creating a more selective network of high-quality partners. The trend towards opening mono-brand boutiques has also gained momentum with brands like Omega leading the way.
Despite these challenges, some retailers are finding success by focusing on providing a unique and curated selection of watches. By offering a personalized shopping experience and excellent service, retailers like Marco Galli and Dominik Maegli have managed to thrive in the changing landscape of the watch industry.
In conclusion, while some Swiss watch brands may have reduced their collaboration with specialist retailers due to strict controls imposed by brands such as minimum sales requirements or participation in e-commerce, there are still opportunities for innovative and customer-centric retail concepts that provide value to customers through personalized shopping experiences and excellent service. The rise of independent specialist retailers like Maegli’s “Watchthings” store in Bern demonstrates that there is still a place for such concepts in the world of luxury watches.
