I've been following the thread on the COOP Grundig offer with some interest, noting comments about quality and durability, and I'd like to share a discovery.

Early last year, during one of my periodic London visits, I stumbled across Nisbets in Shaftsbury Avenue. Nisbets is a company that supplies kitchen equipment etc. to the trade, but they also sell to the lay public (some trade suppliers don't sell to the general public). The shop is a revelation, not only has it have practically anything you would want and need for the kitchen (and if they don't have it in the store they can get it) but the prices are very competitive. Some items are, understandably, costlier than the domestic equivalent, but many items are equally priced or even cheaper.

Of course, they are made to take constant use and abuse so will last longer and work better than the domestic versions. I've been slowly replacing or upgrading my kitchen gear with the pro stuff and I am a happy bunny,

Nisbets ship abroad, but - alas (of course?) - not to Switzerland.

If you're in London they are worth a visit (and they're on t'interweb)

I would have to second Nisbets, have bought stuff from them in the past, excellent people to deal with!!

Anything similar within Zurich? Or somewhere where I can pick up some bar towels (e.g., http://www.amazon.com/Ritz-Bar-Dish-.../dp/B000X7MPMG) and food grade plastic containers (e.g., http://www.amazon.com/Cambro-Round-6.../B0001MRUUU/)? And just generally browse and spend too much money?

I don't know of anything in Zurich. There are a few pro catering/cooksware suppliers in Switzerland, but unfortunately of those that do have webpages that I was able to find, all but one were without prices. The one that did have prices was certainly not competitive with Nisbets.

Nisbets also has French and German branches, the prices are comparable with the one in London. Unfortunately, they don't (can't?) ship to Switzerland (sigh, what else is new....?), but if you can have them deliver your order to a colleague or friend in Germany or France it might be worth going that way.

Noob...

http://www.serviceadresse.com/index.htm

Postal drop off service over the border in Weil-am-Rhein. It'll also stop the Swiss Post tax ç%/(*" ripping you off.