History
1981
In 1981, when he was still a student at the University of Lausanne, Robin Cornelius first launched the idea that was to become the Switcher trademark.
For him, the sweat-shirts of the "yuppy" era were too monotonous "rugby stripes and symbols of American colleges" and he dreamed of comfortable and colourful polo shirts, in solid colours, and, above all, with no slogans. When it was launched, the first collection included only 2 models: a T-shirt and a sweat-shirt.
1985
Creation of the "Switcher Colour System©", a guarantee of reliability for the providers *, who are thus assured that, year after year, they can count on finding precisely the same hues.
1986
Creation of a permanent stock at Mont-sur-Lausanne. At the time, this was a major innovation in the textile sector.
1987
Beginning of the partnership with the Indian supplier Prem Group.
1991
Recognition of the role of social and ecological awareness at a turning point in history. In November 1990, the Paris conference had officially put an end to the Cold War, the ideological war between the East and West that had been in progress since the end of World War II. The victory of the western world led to a remarkable acceleration of the internationalization process and a new "and strong" wave of relocation to developing countries, with all that this implies in terms of unjust and difficult working conditions.
1992
The year was marked by the "Earth Summit", which took place in Rio de Janeiro. This conference confirmed the growing awareness, at world level, of the interdependence of economic, social and environmental issues.
1993
Development of a policy aiming to strengthen the ties between the members of the network of Switcher dealers, the company and its various suppliers. Beginning of a policy of openness and transparency with suppliers.
1997
Setting up of the sales network for "All Included" fashion-retailers (providers) and the "Switcher Net" for industrial partners.
1998
Implementation of the Switcher Code of Conduct for its textile product suppliers.
1999
Coming into effect of the Switcher Code of Conduct in the company's own policies.
* Switcher product dealers
2000
Introduction of the Business to Business (B2B)
platform for the Switcher Net and All Included providers.
2001
Introduction of the Business to Consumer (B2C)
platform for consumers. Introduction of the
Switcher Friends Card for loyal customers.
Beginning of Switcher's European expansion.
2002
Launch of the "**** Hotel" training concept
and introduction of the "Switcher Certificate of Sales" for All Included providers.
2003
Publication of the 1st Switcher Corporate Social Responsibility Report: CSR Report 2002.
Creation of a Staff Committee.
2004
Creation of the Switcher Foundation.
Adaptation of the "**** Hotel" training concept for SwitcherNet providers and introduction of the "Switcher Certificate of Sales".
2005
Launch of a 100% organic collection, based on fair trade and bearing the Max Havelaar label.
First Social Compliance Meeting at Le Mont-sur-Lausanne attended by all the social compliance officers (SCO) from Switcher SA suppliers.
Creation of the Respect-Inside Compliance Website (R-ICW).
Publication of the 1st "Switcher Inside" house journal
Creation of the 1st "Switcher Competence Centre".
2006
Switcher celebrates its 25 years and offers a "revival" with a reorganization of the collections in the 5 worlds : BASIC, SPORT, OUTDOOR, FASHION and JUNIOR.
2007
The company accelerates its international development and partners with a group of private investors. Within the framework of this opening, the share capital is increased by 10 million Swiss francs. The founder of the firm Robin Cornelius remains the main shareholder and will continue as president and CEO.
2010
The PGC Industries & Group (India), Switchers Industrial partner for nearly 3 decades entered the company as shareholders. The financial investors, three years after their arrival as shareholders, exited . This transaction allows Switcher to gain control over the entire supply chain, from the cotton fields to the consumer. Robin Cornelius is back as the leader of operations with a new board of directors: Mr.Robin Cornelius (Executive Chairman), Mr. Aadith D.Vikram (Vice Chairman), Mr.Jérôme De Meyer (Director)and Mr.D.Prem(Director).