The culture and rich history of Germany amazes those who visit and explore this country. Like tourist attractions, shopping in Germany can also be informative and extremely exciting. Although shopping centers are not very popular in the country, you can find luxury shops and boutiques outside of them. Every major city has a busy shopping street that offers something unique and interesting for shopping.
Largest seasonal sales
According to the sales calendar, in Europe twice a year there are the largest discount periods when you should do shopping: in summer and winter. During this time, many European stores sell items at amazing discounts. The largest winter and summer sales take place 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. 2019 dates have already been announced: from January 29 to February 11. Christmas sales in Germany always begin much later than throughout Europe, where discounts are available from the beginning of January, immediately after Christmas.
Previously, there was a law that these were the only permitted discount periods, but it has long been outdated and is not applicable to modern orders. However, during seasonal discounts, the largest sales in Germany are still taking place.
Profitable purchases throughout the year
Despite the existence of two main discount seasons, other sales and discounts in Germany are offered at different time periods. For example, now in many stores, in particular clothing, an old collection is offered at a reduced cost. Traditionally, from the beginning of November, the remains of the autumn collection have been sold, so that the shops have the opportunity to change the assortment to a new, winter one.
Also, seasonal sales in Germany took place 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 season shift. Summer sales are also timed to coincide with a change of collections. And although officially the dates are indicated for June-July, often in stores there are big discounts in August, before the arrival of the autumn collection.
As for branded equipment stores, in them prices for old models are most often reduced with the advent of new ones.
There is one day a year, at the end of November, when discounts are offered in almost all stores around the world - Black Friday. The stores themselves choose the discount size and the goods for which they will be. Usually they make up from 20 to 70% and apply to old collections, but sometimes absolutely to the whole assortment. 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 lifted since 2001. We have already said 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 has been observed.
Nevertheless, German consumers are accustomed to these dates, and therefore most stores still arrange special sales on the usual dates, with the first markdowns starting immediately after Christmas or early July. As a rule, at the request of the store or for the remaining items after the generally accepted sales period, additional markdowns are made.
All stores are open Monday through Saturday. Time largely depends on the region in which the institution is located. So, for example, working hours:
- 12: 00-00: 00 in Baden-Württemberg;
- 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. in Bavaria;
- 12: 00-00: 00 in North Rhine-Westphalia;
- 12: 00-00: 00 in Berlin, etc.
Sunday is considered a day off, but in some states stores may have a certain number of days off. For example, 11 Sundays per year (North Rhine-Westphalia).
The secrets of German shopping
Credit cards (Kreditkarten) are not popular in German cities. Here they prefer to accept payment in stores and restaurants in cash. The Germans love plain old money. Large 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, many prefer Fachgeschäft. In such shops and shops you can get good advice, because sellers with certain experience in their field work there. Be it cameras, meat or books, you can enjoy a conversation with someone who knows what they are talking about.
In large German metropolitan areas there are Costco supermarkets (Globus Handelshof, Kaufland, Metro, Real, etc.) that sell products 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 such hypermarkets with the greatest benefit.
Sales tax or VAT (Mehrwertsteuer)
Unlike the United States, when you see a price tag or 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 amount of tax on your check or receipt. Sales tax is a national tax, not a state tax. The standard tax rate is 20% in Austria (10-12% for groceries, books and magazines), 19% in Germany (from January 1, 2007, 7% for groceries, books and magazines, flowers, transportation) and 7.6 % in Switzerland (since 2001).
In Europe and in German-speaking countries, sales tax applies to various names. In Germany it is a value added tax (Mehrwertsteuer, MWST). In Austria, this is a value added tax, or Umsatzsteuer.
VAT refund
Under certain conditions, when making large purchases, it is possible that non-EU residents receive a VAT refund for non-food items. However, the procedure is complicated (there are forms that need to be completed), and arrangements must be made at the time of purchase. You must prove that you will remove the purchased items from the EU within three months after purchase. The minimum refundable amount varies by country.
This is also called Tax Free, when you cross a border, you can return a certain percentage of the cost by providing a check in a special department at the customs. Due to this, even when the sales season in Germany has not yet come, you can get a very good discount.
Time for shopping
People who are used to shopping at almost any time of the day or night should be aware of the Ladenschlußgesetz (store closure law). Germany, Austria and Switzerland have the most limited hours of operation in all of Europe. Since 2006, each of the 16 states of Germany has been allowed to issue its own laws regarding store watches, and all but two have done so. Do not plan your purchases on Sunday or after 20:00. Shopping hours are the most liberal in Berlin, but even there they have not reached anything close to European or American standards.
Best places to shop in Germany
Schildergasse in Cologne is believed to be the busiest shopping street in Europe. The University of Cologne Schildergasse has a rich history, the origins of which date back to ancient Roman times. Today it is one of the best shopping places in Germany with large department stores and shops such as Galeria Kaufhof, Zara, H & M, etc. Such places are terribly popular at a time when there are sales in Germany. Weltstadthaus is also located here - a huge glass structure resembling a whale, which houses several popular clothing stores.
During sales in Munich, the district of Maxforstadt, which is located in the city center and where all the main stores are located, is especially popular. Medium and large sized cities have their classic Marktstrassen, or market streets, often charming pedestrian areas with shops running on both sides of the street. Good public transportation systems make cars less necessary for shopping. Many cities have updated their shopping centers and made them pleasant places for walking. Outdoor cafes, musicians on the sidewalks, benches, fountains, trees and shrubs, flower and vegetable stands, make shopping very enjoyable.
Zeil, Frankfurt
Fifth Avenue of Germany is popular. Frankfurt shopping street is a delight for the discerning buyer. In the area between Konstablerwache and Hauptwache you will find the best international stores of world brands and chic boutiques offering the best of high fashion. As you explore this fantastic street, be sure to visit the 10-story Zeilgalerie with stunning architecture and a beautiful observation deck. And the adjacent Goethestrasse is one of the best places to buy designer jewelry. Location: 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Innenstadt
Konigsallee & Schadowstrasse, Dusseldorf
In the heart of Düsseldorf, there is a promenade with beautiful river views and numerous boutiques, designer shops - this is an elegant place for shopping in Germany. Locals and connoisseurs love to stroll along this street along the road to the heart of luxury shops and shopping centers. A fantastic place for shopping, the longest and most popular shopping street in Dusseldorf in Scheidstrass has more than 200 stores that offer everything you could wish for without spending a lot of money.