Berlin Shopping Tips by yooperprof

Name of Shop: KPM - Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur

In the 18th Century, the Kings of Prussia (like other European monarchs) encouraged the development of a domestic ceramics industry. Porcelain was one of the most glamorous of all domestic items, and no country would be satisfied until it was producing its own supply of fine tableware, vases, and gegaws.

KPM - the Royal Porcelain Factory - was established by Frederick the Great in 1763. It's still producing porcelain 240 years later. Their shop in the Mitte district displays their wares in a glamorous setting - near the interection of Unter den Linden and Friedrichstrasse. I came into the shop just to look, but the sale clerk I spoke to was quite friendly and informative. Of course, if you have to ask how much any of the beautiful merchandise costs, you probably can't afford it.



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Theme: Gifts
Address: Unter den Linden, just east of the Komische Oper

Name of Shop: Meissen

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.



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Theme: Gifts

Name of Shop: Dom

Dom has trendy things for the home - and for the holidays it was all decked out in the most fabulous glitter imaginable. It's all very kitschy, but that's okay because it's trying to be.



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Theme: Home Furnishing
Address: Underneath the Spandauer Bridge in Hackescher Mkt.

Name of Shop: Station Nord

Beautiful Scandinavian design - it's really as much a gallery as it is a shop. Upmarket and proud of it: you won't find these things at IKEA!



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Theme: Discount Store
Address: Augustrasse 28