Let’s go to the Mall!

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Some people consider shopping during the holidays overwhelming. In fact, more and more people are purchasing gifts online to avoid the crowds and emotional reactions.

Online shopping sales continue to rise every year, especially with promotions like Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping deals. However, there are still millions of people who prefer to physically shop for their family and friends.

For many of us, the easiest solution to our holiday purchasing tactics is to ‘go to the mall.’ Luckily, there are shopping centers
nearby 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. K in Lautern Mall is home to a wide range of shops, from international brands to local boutiques. Whether you’re looking for clothing, electronics, home goods, beauty products, or sporting equipment, the mall offers a diverse selection. Popular stores like Calzedonia, Jack & Jones, Mango, Pandora, Rituals, Starbucks and TK Maxx make it convenient to find exactly what you’re after.

The mall’s central location in Kaiserslautern makes it an easy and convenient shopping spot. Plus, there’s ample parking.
Kaiserslautern is known for its mix of German and American cultures, thanks to the large U.S. military presence in the area. This cultural diversity can be reflected in the mall, offering a blend of European and American brands and products that appeal to a broad range of shoppers.

Opening hours:

Monday – Saturday,

9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

*Be sure to check their website www.k-in-lautern.de for holiday deals and extended holiday hours!

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.

Why you should go

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 further 25 minute drive into France. Your whole family will enjoy the experience.

Opening hours:

Monday – Saturday,

10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

*Be sure to check their website www.zweibrueckenfashionoutlet.com for holiday deals and extended holiday hours!

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 4 p.m. well-lit spaces and is free after 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Why you should go

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 customer-oriented prices.

Opening hours:

Monday – Saturday,

9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m

*Check the website for holiday deals and extended holiday hours: www.saarpark-center.de

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.

Why you should go

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

*Special holiday hours and deals can be found on their website: www.europagalerie.de

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.

Why you should go

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

*Check out their website for more details on holiday specials: https://www.rheingalerie-ludwigshafen.de