But what we’re going to talk about here are the famous department stores inextricably associated with certain major European hubs. In others cities, the tradition of temporary markets is still prevails.
The big department stores have become institutions, and tourist attractions unto themselves. They’re often in the very centre of town, which facilitates mixing shopping with cultural visits. They are often housed in magnificent old buildings, which give customers a sense of exclusivity and privilege. They bring together in one spot a vast number of designer labels, china, linens, jewellery, cosmetics, perfumes, toys, and often a gourmet grocery section which no one can resist. The stores’ own brands have become a style phenomenon; shoppers want to be seen with logo-embossed bags from such and such a store – it’s très chic!
The stores offer advantageous tax refund schemes to foreign shoppers; you can get information at the National Tourist Offices or at the stores’ customer service desk.
In all cases, there are two events in the big department stores that mustn’t be missed:
The Christmas season, when capital cities rival one another with a profusion of lights, garlands, and fabulous decorations transforming the streets. In addition, the window displays are spectacles in their own right: fairylands bursting with marvellous, mechanized toys that mesmerize both children and adults, noses glued to the glass, breath fogging the window with each astonished breath.
The tradition of Christmas markets began in the 14th century, principally in Germany and the Alsace region of France. In the 21st century, this festive tradition continues in many villages and cities in a number of European countries.
Organised by individual municipalities, the markets are usually held in central squares or other large open spaces, from the end of November until the end of December.
Both the celebratory mood of Christmas and the satisfaction of interesting shopping characterize the markets. They provide a magical, friendly ambiance for children and adults, where you can fuel your holiday shopping with delicious holiday snacks, and get in the spirit of the season.
When you go to a Christmas market, you’ll think you’ve walked into a holiday greeting card. Imagine the rustic wooden chalets, (market stalls), perhaps dusted with sparkly snow, brightly decorated for Christmas, offering a colourful array of handmade crafts and edible goodies. Vendors, bundled up against the cold, blow on their hands to warm them, cheerfully calling out to passers-by to come and see their wares, a white puff of vapour accompanying each invitation.
The markets are bursting with interesting, often hand-crafted wares, that will nicely reinforce the pile of gifts beneath your Christmas tree. Also on offer is a raft of holiday treats : tartlets, smoked and grilled sausages, and other hot savoury foods, as well as crepes, waffles, local pastries, roasted chestnuts, and hot wine with cinnamon, to name just a few. Try these signature specialities--it’s a delightful way to get to know the country and its culture!
If you visit Europe during the holiday season, whichever country or city you find yourself in, there is probably a Christmas market nearby. Just ask for information at the local tourism office.
And oh, the shopping in Great Britain, especially in London. Warm up your credit card and raid the celebrated counters at Harrods and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, trendy Selfridge’s or dependable Marks & Spencer on Oxford Street, the deliciously fantastic Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly.
In Paris, France, delve into the very chic goods at Galeries Lafayette, under the enormous glass rotunda, or at Printemps, a bit less trendy and right across the street, both in the “place to be seen” area near the Opéra. In the neighbourhood around the Hôtel de Ville is BHV, a huge store to wander at will when you’re not rushed. On the Left Bank, tempt yourself at one of the oldest stores in Paris, le Bon Marché.
In Vienna, Austria, once you’ve had enough culture for a bit, go take a tour around Steffl.
In Brussels, Belgium just a stone’s throw away from the Grand’Place, sits the gorgeous, sumptuously glass-roofed shopping arcade of Gallerie St. Hubert, built in 1847. Here you’ll find jewellery stores, chocolate shops, cafes, and magnificently decorated windows that make it one of the most elegant places to visit in Brussels.
In Berlin, Germany, the "Kaufhaus des Westens", better known as KaDeWe, is the biggest department store in Europe and where you can find absolutely everything. And as they say, if you can’t find it here, it probably doesn’t exist.