The new Landi has opened

After a long planning and construction phase, the store is now accessible to customers. According to the head of Landi Zug, the work was not easy – and was significantly more expensive than expected.

The building catches the eye from afar. The reason for this is the posts on the front side, which smoothly change from green to yellow as you move from left to right. This is the new Landi Baar, which was recently opened on the former Trichema site in the Baar industrial area. The renovation of the building began in December 2019, but preparatory work had already been carried out a few months earlier, as there used to be buildings where the 75 outdoor parking spaces are now located. Hans Bellmont, Managing Director of Landi Zugerland, was proud of the new store at the media orientation the day before the opening:

"The branch is one of the best in Switzerland."

But the refurbishment was not without its problems. Bellmont describes it as a roller coaster between success and setbacks. "There were days when everything was going smoothly, and other moments when we had real problems," he says. Difficulties were encountered due to the old building itself: contaminated areas had to be removed, for example, but the groundwater and the soil also had to be carefully handled. "At the beginning, many people doubted whether a Landi can be implemented in this old factory hall. But we succeeded."

Photo 1: The new Landi is located in an old factory building
Photo 2: Managing director of Landi Zugerland, Hans Bellmont
Photo 3: Flowers are an important part of the product range
Photo 4: The Hof-Märcht can also be found in the same building
Photos: Matthias Jurt (Baar, 24 February 2021)

The costs were thereby correspondingly high. Seven to eight million Swiss francs were invested in the buildings alone. The budget at the start of the project was CHF six million, but it was quickly realised that the project would be more expensive, and a supplementary loan was requested at the General Assembly in spring 2019. The site was purchased in 2017.

Landi Baar offers products for beekeeping needs
The store is now open. An range of 8,000 products is presented on a good 2,000 square metres. In addition to the classic retail range – such as beverages and vegetables – the Landi also offers agricultural products such as animal feed. What is also special here is that this is the only branch in the canton of Zug that carries products for beekeeping needs. The nearest store with this assortment is in Sattel. Hans Bellmont is convinced: "The need is there, and we found this out in advance in conversation with potential customers."

The store has been set up according to the latest concepts. This means, for example, that the shelf heights are a little lower, so that customers can see over them, and the wine corner has been fitted with darker details. In addition, glass has been fitted into the ceiling on the existing beams, some of which used to be outside the building, so that daylight enters  through the large window. In good weather, the LED lighting is almost superfluous.

Hof-Märcht for rent in the same building
The Hof-Märcht (farm market) of the Hotzenhof farm in Baar has also rented space in the same building, in front of the entrance of the Landi. In addition to regional products, such as fresh vegetables and homemade yoghurt, lunchtime menus will also be offered here– as soon as this is allowed again due to the pandemic. Until then, food can only be taken away.

The administration offices of Landi Zugerland, with all its office staff, is also now located here. A commercial area of 9,000 square metres will also be available on the 5,000 square metre open space in front of the Landi. These area will be developed and rented out in the next few years.