100 years of Migros: Migros celebrates its anniversary and says MERCI

Migros is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The company changes its name to MERCI in its anniversary year and makes minor modifications to its logo to reflect this. It thanks the people of Switzerland, the members of the cooperatives, its customers, its employees and its many partners, as they have all made Migros what it is today – Switzerland's most popular retailer.

MERCI bus on tour around Switzerland
In its anniversary year, the well-known Migros sales vehicle travels across Switzerland as the MERCI bus. Local people are invited to join in the celebrations at 100 locations. Just like in years gone by, the Migros bus also offers customers the chance to shop with a range of 100 Migros products available. A product that is particularly popular in each community – whether a plaited loaf, Cervelat sausages or ice tea – is given away by Migros to everyone who visits the MERCI bus.

MERCI for 100 years of loyalty from our much-valued customers
Migros thanks its customers by launching a wide range of promotions. The first promotion is a collection campaign in which stickers can be exchanged for surprise boxes. On two MERCI days in May, the supermarket stores are transformed into celebratory venues with welcome drinks, anniversary apricot tartlets and other surprises for customers. There are also two anniversary special offers every month, with a 50% discount on selected products. On 16 August, the day after founder Gottlieb Duttweiler's birthday, Migros gives away 1.3 million roses to its customers. This is a tribute to Dutti, who started selling flowers in his stores back in 1947 – before that they had been the exclusive preserve of specialist florists. At Migros, you could buy a bouquet of 16 carnations for CHF 1. In the specialist florists, one carnation cost 50 centimes.

MERCI tour with DAS ZELT
In collaboration with the largest mobile cultural event stage DAS ZELT, the MERCI tour stops off in fifteen Swiss cities and presents nine different shows. In a nod to 1925, when a theatre ticket in Zurich cost CHF 9, tickets for the MERCI tour are also available for CHF 9. Over 250,000 tickets are available in total. As a supporting programme, the 'Migros Expo', a free travelling exhibition, takes visitors on a tour through 100 key events in Migros' history.

Ceremony in the 'Park im Grüene'
On 15 August, the day on which Migros was founded, the 100th anniversary is celebrated with a ceremony in the 'Park im Grüene' in Rüschlikon. Partners and patrons from society, business and politics gather at this historic location, which is closely associated with Gottlieb and Adele Duttweiler. The appearance by Karin Keller-Sutter, President of the Swiss Confederation, who underlines in her address just how important Migros is to Switzerland, is a real highlight. For 100 years, Migros has been a keen proponent of community, innovation and sustainability. The ceremony duly celebrates this milestone and looks to the future with great anticipation.

The biggest MERCI goes to our employees
On 1 and 2 September, Migros invites every employee within the Migros Group to a big anniversary party on the grounds of the Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival (ESAF) in Glarus. The programme of events includes an anniversary show, concerts by top Swiss acts, performances by comedians and free food and drink. Over the two days, more than 43,000 employees come together to celebrate 100 years of Migros.