Switzerland’s biggest play store goes on tour

Nico shuffles from one leg to the other. “I’m really looking forward to sitting at the till!” the 7-year-old says excitedly. When it’s his turn, he puts on a Migros uniform and swings himself onto the chair.

“Beep! Beep! Beep!” the till rings as he scans the products that his kid sister Larissa placed on the checkout conveyor belt. She’s 'buying' ice cream - lots of ice cream. Five tubs, to be precise. “My favourite flavour is chocolate,” the 5-year-old says.

Before paying with Miggy franks, she hands over the Cumulus card with her photo, which she had issued at the specially set up children’s customer service desk. She then quickly packs her shopping into her trolley. After all, there’s a long line of customers behind her.

Very true to life

On this Wednesday afternoon, the mini Migros in St. Margrethen, in the canton of St. Gallen, is a real hive of activity. Children slip into the roles of Migros employees and customers. Some work in logistics roles, bringing the products paid for at checkout back to the shelves.

Others make their way to the till or push trolleys around the store. Everything has been scaled down so that the children can play on their own without assistance. The mini store, spanning more than 100 square metres, has everything you need for everyday life, just like a real Migros.

Some are genuine, others look amazingly real. For example, the fruit, vegetables and bread. A buzzer rings on the oven – an alert that the fake bread rolls are ready and can be taken out.

Parents wait outside

The one thing you won’t find at the store is parents. They must remain outside, watching their children through large perspex panes. If they have any questions, the 4 to 12-year-olds can ask mini Migros staff, who are also in the shop.

While Larissa now sits at the till and serves the youthful customers, Nico takes a tour of the store. If it were up to him, weekend meals would consist of pasta, bread, ice cream, chocolate, biscuits, pineapple and sweetcorn. Perhaps he can inspire his parents the next time they go shopping.