Berlin is considered the museum capital of the old European woman, the architectural masterpieces of the Brandenburger Tor, the Reichstag building, the picturesque and smelling Unter den Linden street, the ensemble on Alexanderplatz and KunfĂŒrstendamm attract an impressive portion of tourists every day.
One of the traditional bourgeois monuments of Berlin is KaDeWe, a department store that has been living for over a hundred years on TauentzienstraĂe. This is a modern monument of bourgeois luxury, a modern atypical tourist attraction, a large-scale center of entertainment and beautiful life. KaDeWe is able to surprise a person who has seen a lot and ruin even the most inveterate miser.
KaDeWe - the best shopping in all of Germany
One of the advertising slogans of the shopping center is: âIf we donât have any goods, then most likely it doesnât existâ
The KaDeWe department store in Berlin, or the Kaufhaus des Westens (Western Trade House), is considered the largest department store in continental Europe. The area of ââthe Ka-De-Ve trade giant is 60 thousand square meters. m. Every day, the department store receives more than 50 thousand visitors. The building has 67 escalators and 26 elevators. This luxury trading machine runs every day except Sunday.
Given the scale and scope of this trading company, it is absolutely natural that this particular store has become a favorite shopping spot for celebrities. At different times, Marlene Dietrich, Heidi Klum, Paris Hilton, almost all European princesses, Robin Williams and others were purchased in the department store.
History of Germany's oldest boutique
Even taking into account all the department stores of the world, KaDeWe (Berlin) is one of the most respectable and ancient among them. This commercial centenarian was built back in 1907 by the merchant Adolf Jandof. The building was later sold to Hertie, and was confiscated and nationalized in the 1930s. After which, as is often the case with state-owned enterprises, the store was ruined financially and soon destroyed, literally in 1943. The building was restored in the 50s, at which time the shopping center was a symbol of capitalist luxury and diversity. Only reinforced the already distinct contrast between East Germany and West.
Today, the department store is considered a symbol of German quality, service and lifestyle. The composition of the visitors is very mixed. But most of all in a department store of Germans of considerable age, there are many Asians, especially Chinese, Russian buyers and onlookers who do not buy anything, but want to look at all the splendor.
Geography of the shopping center: how not to get lost in the country of shopping
The KaDeWe building in Berlin is truly enormous. In addition, this place is often crowded due to its exorbitant popularity. Those who want to make a visit to the shopping center as productively as possible should first begin to enlighten themselves about where any outlets are located. Otherwise, there is a risk of spending the whole day looking for the necessary department.
The department store has 7 floors, each of which specializes in a certain group of goods.
1. The first floor is the patrimony of luxury perfumery and cosmetics shops. There are also boutiques with bags, watches, jewelry. The opportunity to meet fake in the departments of such a status trading house is zero, the opportunity to meet an enthusiastic lady is one hundred percent.
2. The second floor was occupied by goods stores for men. Here is a large selection of truly German high-quality shoes, clothes, accessories from reputable brands of the luxury segment and the middle market: Lacoste, Hugo, Armani. Also an impressive range of products for sports and outdoor activities.
3. The third floor is another illustration of the novel âLadyâs happinessâ. It sells women's clothing, shoes, underwear, accessories.
4. The fourth floor should be visited by those who are looking for gifts, souvenirs, household goods, children's items, dishes, wedding items.
5. On the fifth floor there are shops where you can buy everything for entertainment: books, toys, goods for travelers, gadgets, appliances,
6. The sixth floor is fully devoted to the gastronomy department. Here you can taste and buy all kinds of products in the most unimaginable combinations.
7. On the seventh floor there is a restaurant with a picturesque panoramic view of Berlin and a gourmet selection of wines and snacks.
What brands are represented in the department store
On the ground floor there are many outlets of world cosmetic brands and jewelry boutiques: Dr. Hauschka, Kanebo Sensai, La Mer, Estée Lauder, Lancome, La Prairie, Omega, Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Bulgari.
On the second and third floors there are many mid-range stores and reputable German and European brands: Carven, Mary Katrantzou, Issa London, Theory, Alice + Olivia, Lacoste, Hugo, Escada, Armani, Gucci, The Row, Dior, Elizabeth & James , True Religion, Fred Perry.
The gastronomy department is a gourmet paradise on the sixth floor.
The famous paradise of sweets on the sixth floor is another KaDeWe hallmark in Berlin. This department got into the Guinness Book of Records. Its size and scope is amazing. The department sells more than 500 types of bread, 8 thousand types of cheese, more than two thousand varieties of wine. The department sells products of different, radically different price categories. In this large-scale food hall, the rarest and most unique delicacies and an infinite number of options for ordinary products are sold. Three-quarters of all visitors to the department store must visit this department. Moreover, if the entire department store is more a tourist place for shopping, then in the grocery department there is the highest probability of meeting the Germans.
Tips for beginners and continuing shopaholics. Or how to keep your mind and wallet
Most of the travelers who visited this iconic shopping center note that the prices in it keep up with its prestige. In many European shopping centers, especially in Munich, Milan, Barcelona, ââprices are even lower for similar delusional positions than in KaDeWe in Berlin. Shops in our country, however, cannot boast of competitive prices, even in comparison with the iconic and expensive KaDeVe. So for those who do not have rich European shopping experience, the prices in the KaDeV hotels will seem very pleasant in comparison with Moscow or Kiev. Moreover, in a huge Berlin store there is a lot more assortment and higher quality of service.
For those who do not like to overpay, arrange a diet for their wallet only in the name of visiting the largest department store in Europe, you should remember a few rules.
When buying air-priced goods, travelers should take into account their weight and immediately virtually round off their cost, taking into account how much they will have to pay at the airport for an advantage. Or fly to Berlin only with hand luggage, and order a fare with baggage for the return flight.
Also, before a visit to the shopping center, it will not hurt to familiarize yourself with the brands that are represented there and outline a rough shopping list. For those who want to have more detailed information about the shopping center, there is a website www.kadewe.de. The map of the center, the list of shops, their work schedules, sales schedules and other useful information can be found on this site.
The most enjoyable time for measured shopping at KaDeWe is before lunch on weekdays. Then the shopping center is not yet filled with local buyers, tourists have a chance to calmly make a choice, fitting and buying. Without long lines and a very characteristic selling hysteria, which can be briefly described as "With such discounts, you need to take EVERYTHING, otherwise someone else will take it." Such a situation must be extremely avoided and prevented by all means. Set yourself the maximum allowable amount of expenses for a particular shopping trip, do not buy something that is not entirely suitable just because the thing that is really needed was not found. Perhaps, as an additional deterrent, you need to take a girlfriend, spouse or mother with you.
Alas, not every young lady has a âvaccineâ against shopaholism. Fortunately, many women have learned to disguise this vice as "innocent weakness." Before plunging into the atmosphere of luxury and shopping happiness, with which the KaDeWe store in Berlin is often associated, it may be worth visiting several other interesting sights of the glorious German capital and watching the indigenous people. Thus, you will have at least some chance of contracting German pragmatism and a passion for logic. Not all people can spend several hours in a shopping center without spending all their earnings over the past 200 years. And even those who think that shopping magic doesnât work on them, just do not fully understand how the magic of a large luxury shopping center affects the minds of customers. So, it doesnât hurt to grab a piece of the German mentality with you on your own. And try a sober approach to shopping.
Sales in Berlin
The ideal time for shopping is the season of discounts. In KaDeWe, as well as everywhere in Berlin, the main periods of discounts are December-January and August-September. Most of all, shopping experts advise to pay attention on sales to classic things or cult ones, those that are always in trend. It can be bags, outerwear, suits, shoes.
For those who soberly and purposefully plan shopping in Berlin, the KaDeWe department store can be the starting point of a spree marathon. But, if you have some time, you should not finish your shopping tour at this department store. The fact is that in Berlin there is also a lot of outlets, where prices are much more pleasant, and shopping is more profitable and exciting. Outlets mainly sell original and high-quality items, but from last yearâs collections and with very nice discounts. The problem of outlets is that they are far from the central areas and boutique arteries of the city, so the list of planned purchases should be impressive to compensate for travel expenses and inconvenience. Main Outlets: Designer Outlet Berlin, Zalando Outlet, Leiser Fabrikverkauf.
Where to have a good time, eat and relax in the department store
In addition to shopping, in "KaDeVe" there are many more options for spending time. On the ground floor there are many beauty salons, where female souls are treated not only with banal massage and manicure. Here you can try unique spa treatments that are available only in the most expensive hotels.
On the fifth floor, not far from the book department, there is a cozy, very stylish reading area (and also free).
There are many restaurants and cafes of famous chains throughout the department store, but the most pathos restaurant is on the seventh floor. The institution is not cheap. A magnificent view of the city is probably included in the bill. Also on this floor there is a winter garden and a terrace.
Instead of an afterword
KaDeWe in Berlin is one of the main unofficial attractions. It is not strange that many international tourists are eager to visit this pathos department store. And not always with the goal of buying something. This is the paradox of large shopping centers: not every visitor becomes a buyer. Dubai Mall, Harrods in London and even the Russian Central Department Store cannot escape this fate. All the salt is that eminent shopping centers offer retail space with overpriced rents. In addition, in boutiques of luxury brands, prices are already terribly biting.
The only good advice for tourists with average solvency is not to be afraid to visit expensive shopping centers and take such trips as visits to museums or exhibitions. So do millions of tourists. Moreover, we can safely say that the management of department stores is absolutely supportive of such visitors. Even those who do not bring income to specific shopping pavilions still help maintain the image of the entire department store. Tourists walk there, take pictures, post photos on social networks, tell friends about the store. This is also a kind of passive advertisement. And what a thrill for buyers: to walk, stare at the beauty, taste something, try on luxurious shoes, test expensive perfumes, stare at smart showcases. And buy a bun and tights. As a result, a minimum of costs and a maximum of pleasant experiences.
Such an option of spending time is not suitable for those individuals who do not always feel comfortable in expensive stores. To avoid an awkward situation, it should be understood that the culture of customer service in Germany, especially at KaDeV, is at a high level. So situations when sellers show a sour face with a dumb question: âSo will we buy something?â, Arise extremely rarely.