Migros’ Unusual Cooperative Business Model

Switzerland’s largest supermarket chain, Migros, operates under an unusual philosophy set by Swiss entrepreneur Gottlieb Duttweiler when he founded the company in 1925. The chain refuses to sell alcohol or tobacco, pays no dividends to investors, and lowers prices if profits exceed 5% so customers benefit directly. Migros runs as a cooperative owned by more than 2 million members who can vote on company decisions, and it dedicates 1% of its revenue to cultural and social projects.

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