Grindelwald, Bern

Eiger+: from the bank manager's idea to the store opening Eigerness

On December 18, 2014, the Eiger+ opened its doors in the village center of Grindelwald. The central location with its redesigned outdoor spaces and new playground will become a meeting place that invites people to linger. This will enhance the village center and make it noticeably more attractive for both locals and vacation guests.

Since the opening, the major distributor Coop, the Coop Vitality pharmacy and the Berner Kantonalbank have been tenants. Unfortunately, the tourist resort of Grindelwald has been hit hard by the slump in the retail sector, with the result that most of the two remaining spaces are empty. Grindelwald is still struggling with various vacancies in the heart of the village. Even renowned retail brands such as Läderach, Tommy Hilfiger etc. have closed their stores in Grindelwald.

In this difficult environment, Wincasa carried out intensive needs assessments and a comprehensive market analysis. The center management was initially supported by the marketing department (now Immoveris). In the end, it was clear that a store with “original Grindelwald products” in line with the motto “Good things from Grindelwald for Grindelwald” would fit perfectly into the Eiger+ and could also be successfully established.

Beat Bucher, bank manager of Raiffeisenbank Lütschinentäler, pursued the same idea. This was followed by inspections and intensive and challenging discussions with Grindelwald Tourism, the municipality and the anchor tenant Coop on site. The center management was an important link between the municipality/tourism, the owners and Mr. Beat Bucher. This is how “Eigerness der Laden”, the cooperative, came into being. It consists of five cooperative members who are passionately committed to Eigerness and Grindelwald.

After long and intensive contract negotiations, the project was realized thanks to the support and willingness to compromise of the owners, Schweizerische Mobiliar Asset Management AG. Wincasa's center management made a significant contribution to the successful conclusion of the contract thanks to its extensive market expertise, good relationships with retailers, authorities, Grindelwald Tourism and the owners, as well as the necessary tact and persuasiveness.

At the beginning of 2018, “Eigerness der Laden” successfully opened on around 103 m2 in the Eiger+ in Grindelwald.