Christmas shopping season has arrived. It is time to hit the stores for gift buying and get a bit of cheer.
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Tis the Season
Tag: shopping time
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Empty on Christmas
Normally, the last weekend before Christmas stores bustle. During this season retailers earn as much as 50% of their yearly income. Not this year, all is closed because of the latest lock down. I visited a neighborhood mall. Three more stores have permanently closed. Brick and mortar retail will have fewer and fewer locales after this season.
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Black Friday in 2020
I ventured out on Saturday to check on the stores on Black Friday. In Alexander Platz the normal Christmas hustle and bustle was there but not overwhelming. Covid 19 worries kept many people away from the stores.
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OOTD on a Budget
I went to the Ingolstadt Outlet Center outside of Ingolstadt Germany. The 110 store center had pretty much all I wanted as a Bargain Hunter, designer stores with some very good prices. As a habitual shopper with less cash but a lot of ambition designer outlets are heaven sent. I have to stretch my “fabu budget” anyway I can.
Covid 19, health and safety concerns come first. Located at each main entrance there is a guard to take temperatures as well as body temperature scanners. Each store allows only so many people in at a time. At the better known brands there were lines, so be prepared to wait a few minutes. I had to skip the Calvin Klein Underwear shop because of the long waiting time.
Plan First
40% Off 
Diesel 
Only 100 but too big
As the shopping conditions were different, I needed to make a plan. Get the layout in my head. Find my favorite brands, get a cafe while planning the logistics and visits Simple, start from one end, work my way around. Easier said than done. I got distracted by the Bally Store. There was no line plus, I am a fan. The markdown was too good to pass up. The service was also good. I got a pair of shoes and belt for good prices. Continuing to work to end, Prada Store but busy, happily they told me to comback or make an appointment. I did the latter
Surprisingly there was no line to get in Versace. The sales guy was wonderful. My find of the day, I got a scarf for 15 euros.
Back to Prada. Sneakers on last mark down for 100 euros. I wanted them, but sadly, too large. Life is cruel.
Covid Test Point 
Tod’s 
Michael Kors
There is something for everyone. I admit a few brands could have been more generous with the markdowns. 50% off is my minimal point. Anything less makes me feel unwanted.
During these days many of the stores now have phone in and WhatsApp service. Call and ask what for the latest outlet offerings. They will even send pictures and arrange for package delivery.
Shop at Ingolstadt Outlet Centre year round near Ingolstadt Germany.
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Ikea after Lockdown
I had to pop over to IKEA for a few home items. Getting inside the store today, similar to waiting to get on a ride at Disneyland. Crowd Control in the New Normal.
I have written about this subject in the past. It is easy to protest, be a part of a movement that does not involve negative consequences. Climate change activism continues to stay on the front page. Greta made the cover of Time magazine as Person of the Year.
However, does Generation Z really feel about the planet and consumption? Primark’s revenue rose 4% with more planned store openings in 2020.
I recently ran across a New York Times article on the Instagram obsessedcrowd concerning shopping. The divergent values add up the same as 2+2=3. This is the reason many fashion brands are having a difficult time understanding what these consumers want. Hate fast fashion on social media, run to the store to get a new look, post. Buy better means buy less, yet on Instagram posting the same look twice is a faux pas that will earn negative comments. Such is the life of digital “W level” celebrity. A disposable wardrobe in the closet on Saturday, throw it in the garbage on Monday, shopping again on Friday.
Climate change is a movement, but instant gratification is an entrenched modern behaviour.
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KADEWE redone,, but,,,
Department stores are ingrained the fabrics of cities. Cultural temples of consumption, meeting places to see and be seen. Before World War 2 Berlin had many grand showcases of prosperity lining its big streets and plazas. The sole survivor still in existence today is the KaDeWe on Tauentzienstrasse. Damaged by Allied bombings in 1943 the building closed until its reopening of its first two floors in 1950. Today, owned by Central Group, the giant store boasts over 60.000 square meters covering seven floors.
The latest renovation of the retail store giant is taking place over a staged periods. Phase 2 opened in this week, the ground floor, fifth floor, and sixth floor.
First, the ground floor, a narrow funneling traffic approach layout between the LV and Dior concessions. Not the most welcoming or pleasant interior, first impressions. I had feeling of running through a luxury Pac Man game. The funnel or entry track ends in a very cramped make up department at the foot of escalators.
The second renovated floor, house wares department, falls short of imagination with many new brands “just” on display, lacking an engaging effect.
A social meeting place, a hangout, shop for those special items only found in one spot in the city. KaDeWe’s food floor is as much a part of Berlin as the Brandenburg Gate, a reference point. The sixth floor mixed groceries bakeries, mixed cuisine restaurants, and cafes side by side, a local meeting place in many forms.
Out with old,, Why?
The remodelled phase one opened in December 2018. The completed second phase recently opened. Half thought out, awkward, lacking warmth comes to my mind. Out with the old footprint, in with the new. In my opinion, the old was better, special, more charm.
The atmospheric lighting is jarring, sterile. A remodelling blueprint exists, perhaps a bit of a rethink is needed. There is no overall look. New restaurant stalls just plopped in the middle of the floor layout. Tables randomly placed along low glass wall
Reinventing the 21st customer experience is crucial for retailers. Certainly the KaDeWe is moving ahead, but the direction is the question.
The KaDeWe Grand Opening Event was a crowd pleaser. An all expense gala with over 1800 guests sampling the newly opened restaurants.
Kadewe Phase 3 opens in December 2020
While on a Saturday visit for lunch at a local department I decided to make a Black Friday List. What are the basis for these recommendations? I was with a friend wondering around a local department store. We browsed, looking for gift ideas on different floors and departments. Some items we have, others what we would like to have.
An Illy has a conversational look for a kitchen. The Stelton Pitcher’s Swedish Design fits anywhere. The Filofax has a classic power feel. The Hourglass Packaging caught our attention because of the packaging. A Hermes Change Purse is affordable luxury to impress. Egoiste brings back memories. The Kitchen Aid Blender was recommended. Lastly, Roger Vivier adds a style factor to any look.
Illy Espresso Machine 
Stelton Pitcher 
Filofax 
Hourglass Caution Mascara 
Hermes Change Purse 
Chanel Egoiste Cologne 
Kitchenm Aid Blender 
Roger Vivier Boots and Small Purse
This list leans on the materialistic side, but we were in a store.