Stores, Malls or Markets in Berlin

For a retail spectacle of another sort, try window-shopping the Kaufhaus Lafayette, where the architecture is as impressive as the inventory.

What to buy: When we went there they had a fantastic exhibition on Barbie dolls wearing designers fashion... (watch my travelogue for that!)

If you are looking for a good shoes, set your path towards Budapester Sucher on Kurfürstendamm. The large store has an excellent selection of luxury brand shoes for both he and she.

The focus is on formal shoes, but there is a number of more relaxed footwear, too. Brands include, for example, Prada, Miu Miu, Dior and Gucci The prices are high, as usual with these brands, but not outrageous. On the other hand, my view may be tilted, as good shoes are so expensive, and virtually non-existent, in Finland for some reason.

The shop has also a limited number of accessories, such as scarves and bags. There is a small number of shoes for children, too.

B Cover has a small window facing Kurfürstendamm, but the bags on display are so colourful and geometric in shape that there is always at least one or two persons looking into the shop.

The bags are their own design, and they really set you apart from the crowds -- in a positive manner. Prepare to hear oohs and aahs from your friends understanding something about the style. The rest will most probably claim that the bag looks a little odd.

The selection is available in a range of colours, but they may have to manufacture the bag for you, so this option is not for the occasional city visitors. The only minus is the hefty price.

Secondhand shops are everywhere all over Berlin. You can find clothes, furniture, tools, shoes, household goods, whatever you might need. Usually they are just narrow shops with clothes hanging in the window maybe so you know what it is, some are more popular than other. My favorite is Garbage, its got good stuff. I look there regular because often you can find clothes for taller men. This we need. You can find it off Nollendorfplatz. Go to the right out of the station, about 2 blocks then left. Its a large square buildings not too high.

At Adenauerplatz you can see Humana secondhand. If you are riding the bus, as you cross the platz you can see it clearly as its on the square, or take the U-bahn 7 to Adenauerplatz. Some of the best second hand shops are in Kreuzburg, Schöneburg, and Pankow to me.

What to buy: I always looks for good jeans and dress shirts, sweaters and coats, some boots and belts.

What to pay: I wouldnt pay over 16.00 for a good coat, 6.00 for some jeans or trousers, 4 or 5.00 for a good sweater, and usually 2 or 3.00 for a dress shirt. If its a very unique thing I will pay what they ask the first time because someone else will get it otherwise. If its just so-so, I wait and come back when they regularly mark down the prices and try to get it then. After holidays and season end is good time.

Alusi ephaemeral art is company and label at the same time.
The Artist designs, produces and manufacuters a special kind of a candle in a part of her home. You can buy this wonderful candle directly from the artist.
She's a very nice person and if she has a little time she'll tell you the story of "Shama the beautiful" - but if you haven't enought time to visit her - visit her online shop ! Mrs. Alusi speaks fluently english and the communication with her is no problem.

What to buy: Exclusive Candles and more
The Candles have a various number of flames. Every "Shama" starts with one flame - when the candle is burning the candle get two or three flames - a special present for an exciting evening!

What to pay: Fair prices!

If you're looking for used English books, or for open poetry nights, stop by East of Eden, which really isn't too far east and really is smack in the middle of Eden. I'm fond of the street that it's on by the way: Schreinerstraße is colorful but human, and the people that work at East of Eden are friendly and all look like moonlighting alcoholic musicians, which they probably are. Nobody's going to look down on you if you buy something trashy (which is more than I can say about some other bookstores). The sofas are mighty inviting too. Mon-Fr 12-19 Uhr
Sat 12-16 Uhr

There is one ostalgie grocery store in Alexanderplatz near the u2 platform

What to buy: although the wall fell over a decade ago, you can still buy many old DDR brands, and a lot of supermarkets like Kaufland in the east stock these old favorites. My favorites are the candies: where else can you find such cute and whimsical package designs? "Ostalgie" is the nostalgie for the "Ost" or the east. Some of the brands have sold their names and are mere fronts for the same generic digitalkamera from South korea and so on, but the food seems to retain a bit more integrity.

Saxon Porcelain is probably the most famous in Europe, and "Meissen of Dresden" is probably the most famous German maker. Meissen has a shop right next door to KPM on Unter den Linden.

An interesting and short history of porcelain manufacture in Europe can be found in "The Arcanum" by Janet Gleeson.