Behind the scenes
From gamers to gardeners – how Galaxus and Digitec’s customer base is changing
by Alex Hämmerli
Digitec Galaxus is 25 years old – and still going strong
8.4.2026
Translation: Katherine Martin
Twenty-five years ago, digitec.ch started receiving its very first orders for gaming hardware and computer components. Today, Digitec Galaxus is Switzerland’s largest online retailer, with operations in seven other countries. Join us as we reminisce about the milestones we’ve achieved along the way and take a glimpse into the future.
The story of Digitec Galaxus starts with three young men. A trio who loved partying the night away at techno clubs, gaming until the break of dawn and building gaming PCs for their friends. On 8 May 2001, the three launched digitec.ch, a website they ran out of a small, 25-square-metre office on the ninth floor of a grey apartment block on Zurich’s Seebahnstrasse. «Back then, gaming geeks in Switzerland had to choose between buying either lousy hardware or overpriced hardware,» says Oliver Herren, company co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer (CIO). «We wanted to supply Switzerland with high-end products at fair prices, so we sourced our components directly from abroad.»
This visionary online strategy paid off; by the end of 2001, the trio – Florian Teuteberg, Oliver Herren, and Marcel Dobler – had already generated four million Swiss francs in sales. «I never really had a clear grasp of just how big the company could become,» says Oliver. «It’s like watching children grow up – you’re around them every day, so you barely notice them getting bigger.»
Digitec took online shopping mainstream in Switzerland. To mark its 25th anniversary, we’re looking back at the biggest milestones we’ve achieved along the way.
25 years in milestones – a journey through Digitec Galaxus history
How has the online shop changed over time?
A lot has happened over the past 25 years – and not just behind the scenes. The place customers come to shop every day has been in a constant state of flux too. By moving the two sliders in the graphic, you can see how the Digitec and Galaxus websites have evolved. We’ve purposely left the current version out, as you probably know it inside out anyway.
What’s next?
An operation that started in 2001 as three friends and a 25-square-metre office has now become one of Europe’s largest e-commerce companies, employing over 4,000 people. But Oliver Herren puts this into perspective by saying: «Mindset-wise, we’re just starting out. We may be well established in Switzerland, but when you look at the EU, our expansion has only just begun.»
So what’s next? Galaxus is set to take over Ex Libris’s online book business, meaning it’ll become Switzerland’s largest internet retailer by mid-2027. This’ll take its book range from today’s 1.5 million to around eight million. In Germany, Galaxus aims to break into the top five ranking of online shops and cement a long-term position there. At the moment, it’s listed at number 30 in the EHI Retail Institute’s ranking (website in German).
Progress is also being made on the logistical front. On top of its operations centre in Germany’s Neuenburg am Rhein, Galaxus is planning additional locations in Switzerland. At the company’s current rate of growth, even the new operations centre in Neuenburg am Rhein won’t be sufficient in the long run. Options include a site owned by Migros in Egerkingen, Solothurn, at the junction of the A1 and A2 motorways, and a site in Utzenstorf, in the canton of Bern, on the grounds of an old paper mill.
The thing connecting all these initiatives? The same drive Galaxus has had since its foundation 25 years ago: to make shopping a better experience for people. In other words, to make shopping more convenient, give customers the right information, and ensure they’re more satisfied in the long run with the products they buy. Be it through transparent pricing, honest warranty claim rates or complete, accurate product information.
«It’s great to see what’s become of the idea we had back then,» says Florian Teuteberg, co-founder and CEO. «I’m particularly proud that, even 25 years in, we still embody the culture and values that are important to us.» What must Digitec Galaxus never become? «An old-school corporation with rigid hierarchies, rigid processes and little enthusiasm for innovation,» says Oliver.
This year, Galaxus is celebrating its anniversary with a smorgasbord of events, including a big employee party, the chance to win an exclusive tour of our warehouse in Wohlen, an anniversary film, and more. We’ll be releasing more details on this in the coming weeks and months.
How long have you been shopping with Digitec and Galaxus? What special memories do you have of the company?
Manuel Wenk
Communications Manager
Manuel.Wenk@digitecgalaxus.chAs a Multimedia Producer, preparing multimedia content and knowing about cutting-edge technology is my business. My main focus at digitec is producing videos. I can’t wait to try out new products such as cameras, drones or smartphones as soon as they’re launched. This is where being at the source comes in rather handy. When I’m not working, I’m probably skiing, biking or hiking – the mountains are my place to be.
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