Some people consider shopping. In fact, more and more people are purchasing gifts online to avoid the crowds and emotional reactions. According to a 2017 eMarketer Report, Ecommerce (online shopping) accounted for a record 10.6% of total retail sales in the U.S. during the 2016 holiday season. That same report expects online sales to grow to about 16% this year. Despite the facts, there are still millions of people who prefer to physically shop for their family and friends. For many of us, the easiest solution to holiday and birthday purchasing tactics is to ‘go to the mall.’ Luckily, there are shopping centers near the KMC area that can relieve some of the stress associated with finding the perfect gift!
K in Lautern
If you’ve been in the KMC area for a while, it’s likely you’ve heard of K in Lautern. This four level building is home to more than 100 shops including such retail outlets as PRIMARK, MANGO, TK MAXX (TJ MAXX), and Calzedonia. Centrally located in Kaiserslautern, K in Lautern is easy to get to whether by public transportation or by car. The parking garage, as well as street parking, makes the trip an easy excursion. Aside from the bargain deals at TK MAXX, one of the best reasons to shop at K in Lautern is PRIMARK. This shopping paradise offers a wide range of clothing for everyone as well as a large selection of home decor, accessories, and beauty products. What’s even better is the high fashion look of the clothing but for a fraction of the runway-cost. The very first Primark opened its doors in Dublin, Ireland, in 1969.,Since then, the company has more than 300 stores in 11 different countries. It’s safe to say that people love their bargains!
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. But check their website www.k-in-lautern.de to be sure.
Zweibruecken Fashion Outlet
Enjoy outlet shopping at its best only about 25 minutes southwest of the KMC area in Zweibruecken in more than 120 boutiques and more than 130 fashion labels, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Armani, Calvin Klein, Coach, Guess, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and more, at reduced prices. Zweibruecken Fashion Outlet offers a VIP Premium Club card, which allows you to get exclusive offers and other specials first. Plan ahead for this shopping trip and make a day of it. There a numerous sights close by, including the bastille at Bitche, France, just a 25 minute drive further into France. Your whole family will enjoy the experience.
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. But check their website www.zweibrueckenfashionoutlet.com to be sure.
Saarpark Center
About 30 minutes southwest from the KMC area is the largest shopping center in Saarland, covering more than 34 thousand square meters. Located in the heart of Neunkirchen, the Saarpark Center has more than 130 specialty shops. The parking garage offers well-lit spaces and is free after 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Tired of accessorizing your home with IKEA furniture? DEPOT is your best bet. With more than 480 stores across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, DEPOT considers themselves innovators in home furnishings and accessories. With products changing on a seasonal basis, the company’s aim is to offer designer-quality furniture at customeroriented prices.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m But check their website www.saarpark-center.de to be sure.
Europa Galerie
Located 45 minutes south of the KMC area, the Europa Gallery of Saarbruecken is another shopping center option. Self-described as ‘modern shopping with flair,’ Europa Gallery showcases unique architecture spanning three floors with more than 100 different shops to choose from. Easily accessible by public transportation, there is also a parking garage with more than one thousand spaces available for those that prefer to drive. Missing some of your favorite American stores? You just might find some of them here. Retailers like FOSSIL, The Body Shop, and Tommy Hilfiger, might help stave off any homesickness. For the sports enthusiast and bodybuilding-types, Sportnahrung.de is the place to go. Similar to a GNC, Sportnahrung.de promotes products for athletes participating in bodybuilding, MMA, Crossfit, and an overall healthy lifestyle. Their trained staff can
also offer professional advice to achieve your fitness goals.
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m But check their website www.europagalerie.de to be sure.
Rhein Galerie –Ludwigshafen
If you’re interested in shopping in a larger city, the Rhein Galerie is the one for you. The Rhein Galerie is located just outside of Mannheim; an hour east of the KMC area. With about 130 shops to choose from and plenty of parking (1,400 spaces), the shopping center is also easily accessible by bus or train. There are plenty of places to purchase wine and beer in Germany. But what if you are looking for something just a tad bit different. Alte Brennerei (Old Distillery) is right up your alley. For more than 20 years, Alte Brennerei has been making unique products that are carefully hand picked from the Pfalz region. In addition to fine liqueurs they make delicious jams, dips and sauces. The perfect gift for that person who would be more than happy to receive a wooden crate full of various kinds of whiskeys.
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m But check their website www.rheingalerie-ludwigshafen.de to be sure.
Story by Katie F. Boltuch