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Stores and Opening Hours
It’s impossible to generalize about products found on Germany’s sprawling retail landscape. Product prices and quality vary enormously and comparison shopping is a wise idea. Department stores (Kaufhäuser) have just about every imaginable product in stock, however the quality is often substandard and the service even worse. As a rule you’re better off in the specialty shops, but the prices here are usually higher.
Looking for Bargains
Discount Shops are certainly a good deal. Due to low overhead and minimal staff, they can offer lower prices than other stores. Second Hand Stores sell used merchandise and are highly recommended when you’re doing up your kitchen with appliances and such. Groceries are less expensive in the supermarkets than in specialty shops or kiosks.
The Mecca of the price-conscious shopper in Germany have names like “Aldi,” “Lidl” or “Norma.” These stores are reviled by some since they’ve chosen to dispense with fancy displays of their merchandise. Instead, they opt for a warehouse-like atmosphere and sell their products from the crates they were shipped in. Because of that, you can find incredibly good deals on groceries, and even pick up a drill or an inflatable dinghy while you’re at it, depending on that week’s specials. In any event, a little comparison shopping goes a long way wherever you decide to buy.
Payment
Nowadays you can pay almost anywhere with check cards, such as the EC card. However many stores still refuse to take credit cards. When buying expensive items, remember to keep your receipt, since the product guarantee is only valid if you can present your original proof of purchase.
Opening Hours
All stores must close no later than 8 p.m. Some close as early as 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays stores lock up at 1 or 2 p.m.; although in big city centers most stay upon until 2 or 4 p.m. On the four Saturdays before Christmas you can allow yourself a little more time, since some retail shops keep their doors open until 6:00.
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Carl McIntosh from the U.S. tells about his problems with German store opening hours (German)
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| Further Information
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