We are never too cautious. This is what the many Swiss must say to themselves who robbed the rays in small daily equipment this week. According to Digitec Galaxus, candle sales, pocket lamps, mineral water (+22%) or toilet paper (+40%!) Have taken the elevator in recent days.
The giant breakdown of the start of the week in the south of Europe seems to reactivate the survival instinct of Swiss households. “We have found an increase in demand in several product categories since Monday,” confirms Tobias Heller, spokesperson for Digitec Galaxus. Crises and natural disasters often influence the purchasing behavior of our customers. ” At Migros and Coop, however, there is no significant increase in sales in these product segments.
The huge cut also has an influence on the need for energy autonomy of property owners. Solar panels, for example, are experiencing a real boom: sales have been multiplied by five compared to an average day of April 2025 on the online platform. Same trend for generators.
More generally, companies specializing in crisis preparation also highlight an increased interest this week, “especially for long conservation products”, specifies Philipp Nater of the Sicherrsatt AG company. But without common measure with the period of containment in 2021 or the start of the war in Ukraine.
To tell the truth, these behaviors are nothing weird. At least, not according to the Federal Office for the country’s economic supply (OFAE), which itself recommends having reservations at home in the event of an emergency situation (see below). Covid’s pandemic and extreme weather situations have already shown how it can be used.
What to have in your closet
According to the OFAE, each household should always have the following items available:
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At least nine liters of water per person
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Foodstuffs for a week, for example rice, pasta, finished products, salt, coffee, cannedness and chocolate
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Consumption items such as a flashlight, spare batteries, candles, matches or a gas stove
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Hygiene products such as disinfectants, drugs, protective masks and personal care items, including the famous toilet paper
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Money in cash in small cuts
