FREITAG’s Zurich flagship is marking its 20th anniversary, two decades after the retailer opened its distinctive container store in Zurich-West. The tower now comprises 19 decommissioned freight containers and remains closely associated with the brand’s approach to giving used materials a second life. To mark the anniversary, the exhibition “A SECOND LIFE – Used Materials, New Purposes” has opened on the upper floors.
The store stands close to Zurich’s Hardbrücke in an area closely associated with FREITAG. In 2005, an undeveloped site around 150 metres from what was then the company’s bag factory became available to rent. Within around six months, the project progressed from the building permit application and the selection of containers at the port of Hamburg to completion.
Opening in 2006, the stacked-container structure became a visible addition to Zurich’s former industrial district and has since developed into both a retail destination and a local landmark.
Reused Materials at Architectural Scale
Material reuse has been central to FREITAG since its early use of old truck tarps and discarded car seat belts, with worn-out ski boots among the other materials subsequently given new applications. The idea of recontextualising decommissioned freight containers had also been considered before the Gerold site became available.
The resulting tower was designed to remain below Zurich’s permitted high-rise threshold while still creating a structure visible across the surrounding area. A viewing platform at the top overlooks the roads and railway lines around Hardbrücke, including the trucks carrying materials of the kind used in FREITAG products.
The use of decommissioned containers places material reuse directly into the architecture of the store, reflecting an approach to circular retail design using reclaimed materials in which existing resources become part of the physical environment.
From Temporary Structure to Permanent Store
The building was originally conceived as a temporary structure. Despite attracting media attention and architecture awards, it initially operated under a provisional building permit and fixed-term land lease.
In 2010, the retail space was expanded with the addition of two containers. Permanent approval followed in 2014 after further work, including energy-efficiency improvements and the installation of a heat pump.
By 2019, corrosion and a further extension of the land lease prompted a comprehensive overhaul of the structure, including repainting. Since mid-2026, a photovoltaic system has provided shade to the metal roofs while generating solar power for the store.
The Repair Kiosk beside the FREITAG Flagship Store opened in 2025, enabling customers to bring FREITAG products to the site for repair. The service extends the repair and reuse principles that have formed part of the company’s circular approach since 1993.
Exhibition Traces the Store’s History
Over two decades, the Flagship Store has remained in place as Zurich-West has undergone wider change and gentrification, developing from a temporary retail structure into a recognised feature of the district.
The anniversary exhibition, “A SECOND LIFE – Used Materials, New Purposes”, is being presented on the tower’s upper floors over the coming months. Previously unpublished archival material traces FREITAG’s history and the development of the container store from its origins in 2005.
The exhibition forms part of the programme marking 20 years since the Zurich Flagship Store opened in 2006.
Terry Clark is the Publisher and Content Director of 365 Retail, with more than a decade of experience covering retail design, technology innovations, store openings and the wider retail industry. He also works closely with leading retailers, suppliers, agencies, events and industry awards across the UK.
