Mein Deutsch sherpa and I salivated openly at the window display of VMC before a morning meeting…read moreearlier this week. The shop was still closed then but by the time we passed by later its sign had turned around to signal the store had opened. A veritable treasure trove of English and American heritage brands, along with loads of denim and leather, VMC has a long history in Switzerland's largest city (it opened in 1986.) My eye immediately caught a gorgeous and perfectly proportioned motorcycle jacket after taking several steps inside the chalet-like shop. It fit almost as if it were bespoke and I had no choice but to shell out many Swiss francs to make it mine. Given that I'd been on a multi-year hunt for just such a jacket, I left VMC feeling victorious. Here you'll find Belstaff and Barbour jackets, Grenson shoes, FIlson bags, and all manner of clothing and footwear for men and women. Whoever does the buying for VMC has quite a keen eye, and their discerning customers reap the rewards. Such sartorial satisfaction comes at a price, however, so don't head here without checking your bank balance first.

If you're a Denim Head, then this is your store. Granted, as an American who grew up, partially, in…read morethe western mountains, it's tough for me to spend the money required on rodeo shirts but when it comes to Japanese cotton shirts & denim, you really can't beat these guys. They know their stuff like very few in the industry. Luckily, they're also willing to help you find just about anything you're looking for. My wife has been looking for a pair of selvage jeans for ages and they probably spent at least an hour helping her find just the right pair. She's a very happy lady now. Thanks guys! Something else I have to mention... at least one other denim store in the city does the 'hard sell'.... that's something I've never had the slightest hint of at VMC. They want you to walk out the door a happy and satisfied customer without buyers remorse. If it doesn't work, for whatever reason, they don't push you to buy it. Also, they happlily do shortening during the week. The weekends are kind of crazy in the store, even with the large number of employees they keep on staff. Honestly, I try not to go in VMC when I walk by as I almost always find something I want. However, lust usually wins. Damn those deadly sins!

Finally a COS Store in Zürich !!…read more I don't know why it took so long to have one in Zürich. COS is part of the H&M group. But it's more upscale, more design, and a bit more expensive as H&M. I think the location is a bit weird. I would have thought that they would be in a cooler neighborhood instead of Niederdorf. It really depend from the city, but sometimes they can be small the COS Stores. I was afraid this one here in Zurich would be small as well. And no, it's a big one. Also the man department is big enough. The personnel is from H&M (at least the Men's department). There is one guy who really fits in this store, very friendly and nice and can advice very well. The other guy... He's really not nice, impolite, and actually not well dressed for this kind of store... A pity because it has influence on the concept. It gets a 5 star because it's a big one :)

If you're on a 20 hour layover on your way back to the States and seeking a beautiful and diverting…read moreway to take your coffee on a lazy Saturday morning, look no further than Monocle Cafe and Shop. As a fan of the publication, I was happy to learn they also serve up java and croissants at this location, a mere 4 min stroll from my hotel by the opera house and 1 block from the lake. The outdoor vibe was soothingly Swiss to this weary traveler and offered some post-caffeine browsing opportunities as well. If I'm ever back in Zürich, I'll be sure to add this to my morning rotation.

Muchas gracias por la atención brindada, es bastante relajante tomarse un café ahí en su terraza.read more

From the owner: We strive to create what we believe to be the perfect product, each piece carefully constructed…read morewith a multitude of dimensions considered. Our signature cut is smart with a slim and modern silhouette and it goes without saying that quality and comfort are both a necessity to style. We are one of the market leaders in Switzerland and offer more than 12 years of experience when it comes to tailoring the perfect outfit for you. We offer ready to wear line as well as made to measure.

From the owner: Wir sind Profis für Jeans und Schuhe…read more In unserem Sortiment finden Sie alles was Mann und Frau für ein tolles Outfit brauchen. Ob (jeans-) klassisch, sportlich elegant oder frisch und frech - Für alle ist etwas dabei. Wir sind Profis und können Ihnen helfen, das für Sie passende Kleidungsstück zu finden. Unser Jeanssortiment für jung und alt ist bekannt für verschiedene Grössen und Längen sowie die besten Passformen unserer Marken. Die kompetente, ehrliche und freundliche Bedienung ist bei uns selbstvertändlich. Wir führen Marken wie zb. Edwin, Levi's, Replay, Diesel, G-Star, Timberland, Maison Scotch, Scotch&Soda uvm.

Large store on Bahnhofstrasse. I think this may be the largest of all the H&M stores I've seen in…read moreZurich. Women's section on top, and men's clothing on the ground floor. I think this has a better selection of stuff that might be suitable for work, whereas the other stores might hold the sportier merchandise? Actually, I think the underground floor does have some sporty women's clothing. There is also quite a big section for stockings, purses, accessories, nighties, undies, and the like.

So far I know this is the biggest H&M in Switzerland. Especially for men…read more Well located and the man section is on the ground floor !! Half of the staff is really not friendly. But I have to admit that there is a few very nice and helpful. This H&M is not always very well organised (kinda messy), but I suppose that this has never have been a strength of H&M