The things you learn, part 17: Migros

[pne]

Migros is a popular chain of supermarkets in Switzerland.

Today, I learned why it's called that: apparently, the name is derived from French mi-gros ("half-wholesale") to reflect the prices which were cheaper than retail and closer to wholesale prices.

This bit from the entry in German Wikipedia sounds interesting: "Migros verkauft heute noch keine Tabakwaren und keinen Alkohol in ihren Geschäften, diese werden meist durch andere Unternehmer im gleichen Haus wie Migros vertrieben." ("To this day, Migros sells no tobacco products nor alcohol in their shops; where these are sold, it is instead by other companies in the same building as a Migros shop.")

Comments

[nik-w.livejournal.com]

We (Marks & Spencer) don't sell tobacco either - nor do we do mobile phone top-ups (although one or two of the larger stores have started selling phones, so they are now doing top-ups), or sell stamps. These are the three most commonly asked "do you sell...?" questions we get asked each day!:D

[muckefuck.livejournal.com]

That name gives me a headache...