i like etsy for the originality and huge amount of choices, as well as the chance to buy from independant artists.
i have bought a ton on etsy- and have a bunch of friends who sell their work on it as well. while some of the stuff is crazy and hysterical, i've found some really creative and talented artists. for my wedding in july, a fellow etsy friend made my dress- nothing like getting a custom designed and fitted dress without going thru sales people, stores and the like. it was great because we were able to go to the fabric district in nyc together and hand pick all of the materials. and it cost so much less.
if there is an etsy meeting in zurich i'd hop on a train and meet up just to be around some crafty peeps! i've seen shops in the states that choose a few etsy sellers and carry mostly only etsy wears- maybe a craft collective is a possibility here in c.h!