Household Goods

There are few, large shopping malls in Germany; however, cities have a normal urban shopping district. Department stores, such as Herti, Kaufhof, or Karstadt, tend to be less expensive and have a greater variety of both brand-name and generic goods than small shops. Warehouses outside the cities sell furniture, garden machinery, building materials, and bulk food, but some sell only to other commercial outlets. With the exception of one or two American chains, the malls are full of European chains and individually owned stores.

Small newspaper stands called Zeitungskiosk sell newspapers and magazines only. Some also sell cigarettes, chocolate bars, gum and small snacks. Flea markets are very popular, and one can usually find a large flea market each Saturday in the larger cities.