Galeria Kaufhof

I have to give this German department store a 5 star rating based solely on their exquisite holiday window decorations! During the Christmas season, they have huge displays of adorable Steiff stuffed animal toys in the huge front glass windows. The toys are animated and move around, delighting kids and adults alike. I won't lie, I pushed right up beside the local rosy-cheeked toddlers and smushed my nose right up to the glass too!

You find stuffed toy bears, geese, rats, raccoons, rabbits, cats, dogs, beavers, snakes, foxes, owls and more, all going about their holiday routines (chopping wood, ice skating, slicing cabbage, etc.). Each year they have different toys doing different tasks. Holiday music plays along over outdoor speakers during store hours. Best of all, if you fall in love with one of the stuffed animals in the window, you can head upstairs to the toy department to buy one of your very own! (Parents beware Steiff toys are NOT cheap, they are the finest stuffed animals ever and you will pay for it)!

I've been fortune enough to be able to travel to Germany three times during the holiday season in as many years and there's no place like it on Earth! The Christmas markets are amazing, but this department store window is top-notch. Make an effort to stop to take a look (you can go later at night to stare at the window, it's free).

The store is nice other times of the year too. It's the European version of Macy's or Dillards.

Five floors of very nice mechandise, a paradise for shoppers in Cologne, Germany. Kind of reminds me of May Co when it was peaking in Mission Valley and Plaza Camino Real. A great store to shop in. If they don't have it here, you really don't need it.

This department store is the german equivalent of a Nordstrom in Los Angeles, I believe. Multi story, and good for shopping for a variety of things. I bought a silk scarf, a Rimowa carry on luggage, an Adidas World Cup Germany jersey, and hair accessories and a few apparels from the women's clothing brands. Sales staff were kind and helpful, but you do have to approach them for help. They're not the fast approaching "May I help you?" kind. I personally prefer that. They are in sight, but lets me be, so if I need their help, I can ask for it easily. Well air conditioned on a hot day, so that was also helpful. They have a VAT refund counter at the customer service section for a downtown tax refund for non-European tourists. This location is really convenient, and there are a lot of shops around this branch. A busy shopping area.

Like Macy's? Have to pay for bathroom or attendant will stare you down, boo...

Have all sorts of brands, low to end, averse value...

Big building is ok in general

Great store. Some things are well priced, some are over priced. Great selection overall. Restaurants, biergarten, wine bar, full grocery store, clothes, kitchenwares, etc. What don't they have? You could survive the zombie apocalypse in this place.