Expanding into Aargau

The young Migros AG took its first steps beyond the borders of Canton Zurich when it opened several shops in Aargau. Its successful growth was slowed down in 1933 by a Federal Council decision that prohibited retail companies from expanding across Switzerland for the next 12 years.

Migros AG expanded into Aargau in 1928 and the business went so well that it quickly owned six shops. However, in 1933, a Federal Council decision known as the «branch ban» prohibited department stores and retail companies from opening additional branches. This meant an abrupt stop not only to Migros’ policy of further expansion, but also of further expansion of its product range. The Aargau bakers’ association protested against Migros’ introduction of Total IV, a new wholegrain bread, onto its shelves. Migros was forced to stop selling the bread in Aargau, despite the petitions and countless letters from Migros customers unhappy with this decision.
After World War II ended and the ban on branches was lifted, things moved quickly for Migros. The Migros Aargau Cooperative, established in 1942, had opened around 20 shops by 1955 and built a modern operations centre in Suhr. This meant independence from the regional cooperatives in Zurich and Basel, which had supplied Aargau until that time. Together with Cantons Bern and Solothurn, it has been a part of the Migros Aare Cooperative since 1985.