Where in the world is the best place to shop.
Feb 2nd, 2006, 06:49 PM
#4
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What do you want to buy and what is our budget? Designer/haute couture clothing, period furniture, carpets, 24k jewelry, brassware, counterfeit knockoff merchandise like CDs, watches and luggage, or what? More information would be helpful.
Feb 3rd, 2006, 02:59 AM
#8
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It's not usually the first place that springs to mind, but we seem to find our best shopping in Germany (and to a lesser extent, Austria). We like their furniture, cookware, cutlery, linens (beautiful colors, well made, long wearing), clothes, and interior design sense. Pick up a few German interior design magazines and you'll find some beautiful homes (it's not all cuckoo clocks v. Bauhaus). Both their clothes and furniture are comfortable and well made (Van Laack makes great shirts, for example)--we find they make both categories for "real world" wear. There are many outstanding jewelry designers in Germany and Austria, not that our budget currently extends to jewelry sprees 
We also like buying German and Austrian because their products are obviously European without being European obvious (aka Gucci, Prada, Versace Louis Vuitton, etc.). They're more understated.
And of course, Germany produces a few decent cars, too, although we'd like our next car to be the new Citroen C6.
We also like buying German and Austrian because their products are obviously European without being European obvious (aka Gucci, Prada, Versace Louis Vuitton, etc.). They're more understated.
And of course, Germany produces a few decent cars, too, although we'd like our next car to be the new Citroen C6.
Feb 3rd, 2006, 03:29 AM
#9
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Btilke I was thinking the same myself. In the past when I went on one or 2 trips for work I always bought clothese and homewares especially kitchen Items. Always great quality and nice items.
NY would be a good second as I am originally from that neck of the woods and a bargain can always be sniffed out on great items.
NY would be a good second as I am originally from that neck of the woods and a bargain can always be sniffed out on great items.
Feb 3rd, 2006, 04:33 AM
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Another vote for Germany, as mentioned by BTilke, I think the household products, mens & womens fashions etc. are the best I've seen anywhere.
I wish the same could be said for grocery shopping in Germany, I find it appalling, presentation & choice is virtually zero. When visiting the UK, my wife and I make a point of making a special pilgrimage to M & S just to look at the food!
For price you can't beat the US or Ebay
Geordie
I wish the same could be said for grocery shopping in Germany, I find it appalling, presentation & choice is virtually zero. When visiting the UK, my wife and I make a point of making a special pilgrimage to M & S just to look at the food!
For price you can't beat the US or Ebay
Geordie
Feb 3rd, 2006, 04:39 AM
#13
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Just got back from Firenze (Florence, Italy). One of my favorite places to shop is the Mercado Centro (Central Market--bazar). You can buy outstanding leather goods for a fraction of wholesale prices. Also, pashima (kashmir/cashmere) scarves 5 euro. Silk ties 4 euro. Many other fun things to buy there. My trip was worthwile just for the 2 red leather purses I bought. I would go back in a flash and load up on leather/silk/ceramics in a flash.
Feb 3rd, 2006, 09:35 AM
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Where we were living in central Germany (in a suburb in the Dusseldorf/Essen/Bochum area) we had no trouble finding anything food-related that we wanted except cilantro (coriander). Fortunately, our German cousins grew their own! Bleach is also very hard to find, I guess for environmental reasons, so whenever we drive over from Brussels, we always bring a bottle of "javel" (bleach) cleaning spray.
If we could live anywhere in Germany, we'd probably pick Dusseldorf. Very cosmopolitan. Even has great sushi bars.
If we could live anywhere in Germany, we'd probably pick Dusseldorf. Very cosmopolitan. Even has great sushi bars.
