Pop culture and lifestyle retailer MINISO rolls into Switzerland with launch of country’s first store
MINISO has entered the Swiss market with the opening of its first store in Switzerland at Westside Mall in Bern.
Spanning approximately 2,700 square feet, the store offers more than 1,000 SKUs across multiple categories, including IP collectibles, plush toys, home essentials, accessories, and beauty products. Several dedicated IP themed zones are featured throughout the space, with character inspired displays and visual installations designed to create a more immersive and interactive shopping environment.
As of 31st December 2025, MINISO had opened 246 stores in Europe, covering the likes of the UK, France, Spain, and Germany. It plans to strengthen its footprint in Switzerland and across Europe by bringing in additional well known IPs, original content, and innovative retail concepts.
London calling
MINISO also recently opened a new store location in Brent Cross Shopping Centre, London.
Relocating within the centre to a bigger space, this features an extensive range of trending vinyl plush collectibles, viral blind boxes, plush toys, beauty essentials, playful accessories, and snacks.
Customers can also discover their favourite characters including Hello Kitty & Friends, Disney, Star Wars, Sylvanian Families and Pokémon, with the aim of making the store a must visit destination for pop culture enthusiasts of all ages.
Saad Usman, Chief Operating Officer at MINISO UK, says: "We’re thrilled to be unveiling our new and improved store at Brent Cross Shopping Centre. This relocation marks an exciting step forward for MINISO, allowing us to create a more engaging and dynamic space for our customers. Brent Cross has always been an important location for us, and this new store enables us to better serve the local community while showcasing even more of the products and collections our fans love."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
