The culture and rich history of Germany amazes those who visit and explore this country. Like tourist attractions, shopping in Germany can also be educational and extremely fun. Although shopping centers are not very popular in the country, you can find luxury stores and boutiques outside of them. Every major city has a busy shopping street offering something unique and interesting for shopping.
Biggest seasonal sales
According to the sales calendar, the largest discount periods in Europe are held twice a year when you should do shopping: in summer and in winter. During this time, many European stores sell items at amazing discounts. The largest winter and summer sales are held in Germany, Spain, Italy and France. Each country has different rules and regulations governing the sale of goods.
In Germany, winter and summer sales usually start on the last Mondays in January and July. They last almost two weeks, ending on the second Saturday. The dates for 2019 have already been announced: from January 29 to February 11. Christmas sales in Germany always start much later than throughout Europe, where discounts have been in effect since the beginning of January, right after Christmas.
There used to be a law that these were the only discount periods allowed, but it's long outdated and doesn't apply to modern orders. However, Germany's biggest sales still take place during seasonal sales.
Great deals throughout the year
Despite the existence of two main discount seasons, other sales and discounts in Germany are offered at different times. For example, now in many stores, in particular clothes, the old collection is offered at a reduced cost. Traditionally, from the beginning of November, the remains of the autumn collection are sold so that stores have the opportunity to change the assortment for a new, winter one.
Also seasonal sales in Germany were held in April last year. For most stores, including those on the Internet, discount periods are common. In fact, sales in clothing stores take place during each change of season. The summer sale is also timed to coincide with the change of collections. And although officially the dates are set for June-July, there are often big discounts in stores in August, before the arrival of the autumn collection.
Regardingbranded equipment stores, then they most often reduce prices for old models with the advent of new ones.
There is one day a year, at the end of November, when discounts are provided in almost all stores around the world - Black Friday. The management of the stores themselves choose the size of the discount and the goods for which they will be. Usually they are from 20 to 70% and apply to old collections, but sometimes absolutely to the entire range. Also, at the request of the store, the promotion can be extended for several days or a week.
Laws and regulations
There used to be very strict restrictions on sales in Germany, most of which have been abolished since 2001. It has already been said above that seasonal price reductions were allowed only twice a year for two weeks (last week of January/first week of February; last week of July/first week of August). This restriction was completely abolished in 2004, and, in principle, long before that, or rather, for 10 years, no one observed it.
However, German consumers have become accustomed to these dates, and therefore most stores still arrange special sales at the usual time, with the first markdowns starting immediately after Christmas or in early July. As a rule, at the request of the store or on the remaining items after the generally accepted sales period, additional markdowns are made.
All stores are open from Monday to Saturday. Time largely depends on the region in which the institution is located. So, for example, business hours:
- 12:00-00:00 in Baden-Württemberg;
- 6:00-20:00 in Bavaria;
- 12:00-00:00 in North Rhine-Westphalia;
- 12:00-00:00 in Berlin etc.
Sunday is considered a public holiday, but in some states, shops may be open a certain number of days off. For example, 11 Sundays per year (North Rhine-Westphalia).
German shopping secrets
Credit cards (Kreditkarten) are not popular in German cities. Here they prefer to accept payment in shops and restaurants in cash. Germans love plain old money. Big stores and malls usually have an ATM (Geldautomat) where you can get cash.
In Austria, Germany and Switzerland, small specialized shops (Fachgeschäfte) are very popular with locals and tourists. Although more and more large supermarkets appear over time, Fachgeschäft is preferred by many. In such shops and shops you can get good advice, because there are sellers who have some experience in their field. Whether it's cameras, meat, or books, you can enjoy a conversation with someone who knows what they're talking about.
In major German metropolitan areas, there are Costco supermarkets (Globus Handelshof, Kaufland, Metro, Real, etc.) that sell groceries and other goods at a wholesale price. As with Costco, you usually need to have a store card or be a member to shop at these hypermarkets for the best value.
Sales tax or VAT(Mehrwertsteuer)
Unlike in the US, when you see a price tag or a menu in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, what you see is what you pay. VAT (value added tax, sales tax) is included in the price, but you can see the tax amount on your check or receipt. The sales tax is a national tax, not a state one. The standard tax rate is 20% in Austria (10-12% for groceries, books and magazines), 19% in Germany (since January 1, 2007, 7% for groceries, books and magazines, flowers, transportation) and 7, 6 % in Switzerland (since 2001).
In Europe and German-speaking countries, sales tax applies to various titles. In Germany, this is the Value Added Tax (Mehrwertsteuer, MWST). In Austria, this is the turnover tax, or Umsatzsteuer.
VAT refund
Under certain conditions, when making large purchases, it is possible that non-EU residents receive VAT refunds for non-food items. However, the procedure is complex (there are forms to be filled out) and arrangements must be made at the time of purchase. You must prove that you will take the purchased items out of the EU within three months of purchase. The minimum amount to be refunded varies by country.
This is also called Tax Free, when when crossing the border you can return a certain percentage of the cost by providing a check in a special department at customs. Thanks to this, even when the sales season in Germany has not yet arrived, you can get verygood discount.
Shopping time
People who are used to shopping at almost any time of the day or night should be aware of the Ladenschlußgesetz (shop closure law). Germany, Austria and Switzerland have the most limited opening hours in all of Europe. Since 2006, each of Germany's 16 states has been allowed to make its own laws regarding shop hours, and all but two have done so. Don't plan to shop on Sunday or after 20:00. Shopping hours are most liberal in Berlin, but even there they have not yet reached anything close to European or American standards.
Best places to shop in Germany
Schildergasse in Cologne is considered to be the busiest shopping street in Europe. The Schildergasse University of Cologne has a rich history dating back to ancient Roman times. Today it is one of the best shopping places in Germany with large department stores and shops like Galeria Kaufhof, Zara, H&M etc. Places like this are terribly popular at a time when there are sales in Germany. The Weltstadthaus is also located here, a huge whale-like glass structure that houses several popular clothing stores.
During sales in Munich, the Maxvorstadt district is especially popular, which is located in the city center and where all the main shops are located. Medium to large cities have their classic Marktstrassen, or market streets, often charming pedestrian areas with shops lining both sides of the street. good systemspublic transport makes cars less necessary for shopping. Many cities have upgraded their malls and made them pleasant places to walk. Outdoor cafes, sidewalk musicians, benches, fountains, trees and shrubs, flower and vegetable stands make shopping a very enjoyable experience.
Zeil, Frankfurt
Germany's Fifth Avenue is popular. The shopping street in Frankfurt is a delight for the discerning shopper. In the area between Konstablerwache and Hauptwache you will find the best international shops of world brands and chic boutiques offering the best in haute couture. While you're exploring this fantastic street, don't forget to visit the 10-story Zeilgalerie, with stunning architecture and a great lookout. And the adjacent Goethestrasse is one of the best places to buy designer jewelry. Location: 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Innenstadt
Konigsallee & Schadowstrasse, Düsseldorf
In the heart of Düsseldorf, with a riverside promenade and numerous boutiques, designer shops, this is Germany's elegant shopping destination. Locals and connoisseurs love strolling along this street on their way to the heart of the luxury shops and malls. A fantastic shopping destination, Düsseldorf's longest and most popular shopping street in Scheidstraße has over 200 shops offering everything you could want without spending a lot of money.
