Artificial intelligence, new search and purchase processes, increasing competitive pressure: Swiss online retail is becoming more complex and incorrect priorities are holding back success. The online retailer survey 2026 shows where Swiss retailers currently stand, what developments are really relevant and where investments pay off.
The online retailer survey is the leading benchmark study in Swiss e-commerce – supported by PostFinance as a research partner.
More than 600 retailers take part each year and enable in-depth market comparisons.
In 2026, the focus is on topics such as artificial intelligence, agentic commerce, payment and sales channels.
Participants clearly see where their company stands in the market and where action is needed.
Follow the link below to the questionnaire. You will be redirected to the survey tool at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland. At no time does PostFinance provide the University of Applied Sciences with data that could be used to identify bank customers.
Swiss online retail is in a state of permanent change. New technologies are emerging all the time, sales channels are evolving and customers have ever greater expectations. This opens up opportunities – but also increases complexity. The decisive factor is therefore not just what is technically possible, but what developments are strategically relevant and where investments actually have an impact.
A look at the results of the last online retailer survey clearly shows where focus is worthwhile:
Clear positioning beats reach – differentiation becomes a success factor.
Personalization works only with a clean database along the entire customer journey.
Visibility is shifting towards AI-driven searches and new purchasing processes.
Artificial intelligence only takes effect with structured product data.
The ability to learn is becoming a strategic strength in a dynamic market.
These areas of action form the basis for the 2026 survey and for a realistic comparison in the market.
Taking part gives you direct added value:
Follow the link below to the questionnaire. You will be redirected to the survey tool at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland. At no time does PostFinance provide the University of Applied Sciences with data that could be used to identify bank customers.
Knowing what counts – for informed decisions in online retail.
We want to understand what is driving the Swiss retail sector. That’s why we support the online retailer survey as a research partner and make relevant findings available to our business customers – particularly with regard to payment transactions, in Checkout and concerning all aspects of new payment technologies.
When online and in-store sales interact. How do you combine online and in-store sales to make processes simpler rather than more complex?
Ready for the new search behaviour? What happens if it is no longer customers searching, but AI systems selecting and rating your shop?
More than just payment. How do payment methods, Checkout and fees directly affect your conversion and margin?