Göttingen offers a unique shopping experience for everyone. Here, you can find not only all the big chain stores, but also many small, owner-operated shops. From popular brands to handmade products, you can find everything here. I’ll show you 7 examples of why you should visit these small stores.
WEINHANDLUNG BREMER
For over 225 years, the family-owned business Bremer has stood for wine culture and joy of life. Since 1937, the wine shop has had a storefront located in the pedestrian zone of Göttingen. The motto “Trying is better than studying” is lived here, as you can of course also try the wines. Grab a wine and enjoy it in a relaxed atmosphere in the backyard. In addition to wines, Bremer also offers high-quality spirits, from Cognac to Single Malt.
The retail shop of the family-owned business Bremer: Here, you can find wine culture and joy of life.
CELLAR EQUIPMENT IN THE MUSEUM
Historically, the family-owned business Bremer also has something to offer, as the historic wine cellar on the Wall, which has been the headquarters and residence of the Bremer family since 1833, also houses a museum. This museum exhibits old cellar equipment.
HAUSHALTSWAREN CARL TODE
For over 100 years, Tode has been in Göttingen. The main product range of the store is household goods. While these can also be found in large department stores or online, here you get a friendly and competent advice for free.
The selection of household goods at Tode is enormous.
The staff and owner Markus Reich have a huge expertise in household goods. They happily pass on this knowledge to their customers with a smile. This makes shopping fun! Once you see the huge selection of cookie cutters, you’ll be convinced.
AKADEMIC BOOKSTORE CALVÖR
One of the stores that make the shopping experience in Göttingen, a university town, particularly unique is Calvör. The history of this bookstore goes back deep into the 18th century, and to this day, many Göttingen residents buy their books here. Göttingers prefer to buy books in small shops. For students and academics, Calvör offers specialized academic departments in law, medicine, and philology. But that’s not all Calvör has to offer, as there is also a wide range of general merchandise available.
The book selection at Calvör is large, ranging from academic textbooks to crime novels.
MORE THAN NOVELS AND CRIME STORIES
That means that here you can find novels and crime stories, as well as travel guides and gift ideas. There is also sensational advice available, and always an appropriate tip to help you find the right book.
WIEDERHOLDT
You probably also buy stationery, office, and gift items at the supermarket or discount store around the corner. But why not try something new and support a local store? For example, at Wiederholdt, you can get stationery, and they are often not even more expensive than the supermarket versions.
Wiederholdt has existed in Göttingen since 1770.
WITH ITS OWN CHARM
Wiederholdt has existed in Göttingen since 1770 and is now managed by Alexander Grosse. Together with his team, he takes a lot of time for his customers and offers personal advice. Moreover, the whole store is lovingly designed, well-sorted, and exudes its own charm.
BETTEN HELLER
Another one of the long-established family businesses in Göttingen is Betten Heller. For over 180 years, the company has been offering beds, as the name suggests. But you’ll also find everything else related to them just outside the city walls.
BED STORE OF THE YEAR
Owner Susanne Heller and her staff know that healthy and restful sleep is very important. They provide their customers with the most heartfelt advice. This pays off, as Betten Heller has even been voted “Bed Specialist Retailer of the Year.”
HUT-BUSCH
Honestly, have you ever been to a hat store before? If the answer is “no,” then you should definitely check out Hut-Busch in Göttingen. There aren’t many hat stores left in Germany, which is why many customers come from outside the area. The range of products includes headwear for women and men, as well as umbrellas, canes, gloves, and scarves. The store started as a repair shop in the 1950s and is now a genuine specialty store. You will be advised here by a master milliner.
Hut-Busch is one of the rare hat shops in Germany.
ALFRED EWERT TEA & SPICES
Our last recommendation is another traditional business located on Weender Straße in Göttingen. Not only is it one of the most beautiful, but also one of the oldest specialty stores in Göttingen. At Alfred Ewert Tea & Spices, there is nothing ordinary. The scent alone in the store is worth a visit, as the unadulterated tea experience smells accordingly.
You can also have loose tea at Alfred Ewert Tea & Spices.
FROM AROUND THE WORLD
The tea and spice varieties come from all over the world. You can have all the varieties weighed loose, and be impressed by the expertise of the staff. Therefore, it’s little surprise that everyone, from housewives to Michelin-starred chefs, likes to shop here.