FREITAG STORE ZURICH NIEDERDORF
MEDIA RELEASE
IN THE HEART OF ITS HOMETOWN: FREITAG OPENS A NEW STORE IN ZURICH NIEDERDORF
For 20 years, visitors to the FREITAG Flagship Store on Geroldstrasse have climbed 123 steps up through nine repurposed containers to enjoy the unusual view over the city of Zurich and the Hardbrücke – right where FREITAG has its roots. And now the Zurich bag manufacturer is heading to the heart of the old town: historic Hirschenplatz in the Niederdorf. This lively district at the center of what’s fondly known as the «Dörfli» - the village - is packed every day with locals and travelers from Switzerland and around the world. And in the middle of it all, FREITAG will celebrate the opening of its new store on June 12 and 13.
The FREITAG story is a Zurich story. Inspired 33 years ago by trucks driving across the Hardbrücke. Born from a creative approach to colorful tarps and driven by circular thinking that keeps materials in use for as long as possible. Every piece is a one-off. And when you’re in Zurich today, barely five minutes will go by without your running into at least one of these colorful originals.
Two pieces of city history
Both FREITAG and the Niederdorf helped shape Zurich's identity. Both are robust: the «Dörfli» has survived devastating fires, sweeping ecclesiastical reforms and puritanical closing times, while the upcycled bags have survived a first life on Europe’s transit routes. And both are known far beyond the country's borders, featuring regularly in hotshot shopping guides and lists of attractions that ceased to be insider tips years ago.
«Zurich is our cradle and our home. With the new store at Hirschenplatz, we are strengthening our roots in the heart of the city. For us, this location is more than a retail space: it's a commitment to real encounters, to local design and, above all, to the people who share our values. The physical experience remains essential to us: you have to pick up our products, feel the tarp and discover your very own one-of-a-kind piece. We're looking forward to bringing a piece of FREITAG DNA to the Niederdorf, which is itself a genuine Zurich one-off,» says Janine Weiz-Bühler, Navigator at FREITAG.
Industrial design and one-offs: it’s full-on FREITAG
Over a good 100m², the new store offers the full range of bags and accessories, complemented by repair and rental services. The store invites visitors to connect with the community, take their time finding their new favorite piece, or simply watching the colorful hustle and bustle on the Hirschenplatz. FREITAG Niederdorf means maximum one-off choice for fans, collectors and hunters of individual pieces.
The interior follows the brand’s familiar timeless design philosophy: industrial, raw and uncompromisingly functional. While the shelving system – designed in-house and locally manufactured – and benches made from folded truck tarps invite you to explore, the store’s exposed walls and surfaces reveal the history of the building itself.
Exclusive new arrivals for the opening
FREITAG is celebrating the opening on June 12 and 13 with the premiere of the limited-edition F745 STRIP BAGS. A compact shopper to cut, available exclusively at the FREITAG Store Niederdorf and only from June 12 to 22. Throughout the opening weekend, there will also be an extra-large selection of one-offs in Zurich's blue and white colors, new DIY tags, music, drinks and plenty more.
Concept and store design: FREITAG lab. ag
Construction management: Studio Milani Simon GmbH
Outdoor installation: aroma AG
