A few quick notes.
Before you go off on a mad dash around the shops, Vienna has a few rules. Opening hours are different than the UK. Most shops will open Monday to friday from 9am till 6 early in the week or 8 in the evening towards the weekend. Most supermarkets open earlier and close between 7.30 to 8 in the evening. On saturday, all shops shut at 6.30 at the latest. Sunday, almost no shops open with the exception of a few small supermarkets around train stations. So plan ahead for your sunday lunch. If you miss saturday's chance to shop, it'll be monday before you can get what you need.
The other thing to know is that Austrian supermarket's love a bundle deal. but rather than the UK norm of Buy on get on free on say a jar of ragu, or a bottle of laundry detergent, expect a BOGOF on an 6 jars of ragu, with 6 free, or a 400 wash laundry detergent with another free. And don't think you can just grab the one. No these offers will be already tied together, ready for to heave them home. In the past I've seen massive boxes of washing powder, 6 litres of cola and 48 rolls of toilet paper, all on sale at great prices, and all far to large to carry. Oh and don't expect to get a box of dishwashing tablets in less than 50 pieces.
Groceries.
It's said that an army marches on its stomach, well so do shoppers. Getting your weekly shop in is essential. Vienna offers plenty of choice for the intrepid grocery shopper.
1. Budget Supermarket.
Hofer
When it comes to budget supermarkets, The leader in Vienna is Hofer. Its all a bit familiar. The logo, the layout. Low and behold Hofer is actually Aldi, But for some reason, In Austria, Hofer is the name they trade under. They opened their first store in Austria in 1968 and today offers over 400 stores in the country. Like the UK supermarkets, Hofer is cheap, cheerful, and for the real bargain hunter, they offer weekly bargains on everything from skiwear to Laptops. Like the Germans, the Austrians love a bargain and the weekly offers have a bit of cult following.
Zielpunkt
Zielpunkt is one of Austria's own supermarket chains, mostly based in the East of the country. It sits above Hofer and is about on par with the UK's old Kwik Save brand stores, only nicer looking. It offers everything you'll need from cheap dinner rolls and up. own brands offer good value for money.
Lidl
German favourite Lidl has a much smaller presence here than its rival, with just shy of 200 stores in Austria. But just like the UK, Lidl offers good value and those pesky weekly bargains ensure people pass though the doors
PennyMarkt
Like the others, this German supermarket chain is cheap and cheerful, thier medium size stores are
akin to the larger Nisa shops in the UK. Like the others, expect cheap products at cheap prices and own brands.
2. Regular Supermarket.
Billa
Although this Austrian supermarket is now owned by German company REWA, Billa is Austria's most well known supermarket. Almot every other street in Vienna features a Billa. Most are smaller in size than the average supermarket, but often cram more in than you expect. the Smaller stores are more like Tesco Metro here and the produce they offer is often a bit more up market. Fresh bakery breads and sandwiches, deli meats and upmarket goods. All can be found here. If you want to know how big Billa is, Vienna Airport has huge store just outside the terminal. Ideal if you want to pick up a few things when you get home.
SPAR
I know that just seeing this title will cause confusion and laughter. But SPAR in Austria, and the Continent in General, is far removed from the little expensive corner shops we find in the UK. Here SPAR come in many flavours, from the smaller SPAR's up though EuroSPAR to the Might INTERSPAR. INTERSPAR's are the Tesco Extra of the SPAR world. They stock everything, or so it seems. Household goods, furniture, toys, DVD's and even more, SPAR is nothing like its UK counterpart. Nowhere is this more evident than the sight of Pierce Brosnan advertising SPARs own upmarket brand. With nearly 1500 stores in Austria, This Dutch firm is a ever present feature of the Vienna street scene. If you get a chance, try an Interspar cafe for a stunning and cheap meal, Especially after 4 in the after noon.
3. Top Of the Range.
Merkur
Merkur (Translated as Mercury) is one of Austria's top brand Supermarkets. Owned by the same company that owns Pennymarkt and Billa, Merkur only have 100 stores in Austria, but the stores are the Waitrose of Austrian supermarkets. Beautifully laid out, and featuring their own restaurant, cafe and bakery, Merkur is one of the top and most expensive supermarkets in Vienna. Bargains can be had though, and being a Friend of Merkur offers you various discounts from crates of beer to restaurant meals and even show tickets and holidays.
SPAR Gourmet.
Small shops, but with soooo many nice things. Spar Gourmet's offer a taste of luxury for that occasional treat. Expensive bottles of wine, rich chocolates, all butter pasties and so on. Spar Gourmet has something for everyone.
Billa Corso
Billa's upmarket brand seems at odds with its sister company Merkur, but like the others, it offers a higher end item, with a higher end price. Try the store in the Ringstrassen Gallerien for a nice taste of luxury.
Clothing
Vienna is a great place to shop for clothes. There are plenty of big stores offering clothes to suit all tastes. Here are just a few to choose from
H&M
The Swedish retailer is a familiar sight though out Vienna. The jeans are just a tad to skinny, but the prices are often good and if your looking to bang up to trend, H&M will get you there. Wait for the sales to get the real bargains. The only annoying thing about H&M is they seem to be everywhere. Every mall, every big shopping street has at least one store. Like acne, they seem to pop out of everywhere
New Yorker
Much like New Look, This Fashion store mainly appeals to the younger crowd, but offers some great clothing at great prices. Sales are fantastic and it's not uncommon to see people spend €100 at a time to get what they want. Like H&M though, they can litter a mall with ease.
Forever 21
Upmarket 20 somethings fashion store, Forever 21 can have so really great things in them, sometimes its off the wall. Either way, Forever 21 i a great place to shop for that nice top or cute hat.
Primark
Yes Primark. The Irish firm who's stores in the UK often look like a bomb has gone off has just made it to Austria. Just 3 stores exist in the entire country, and amazingly, I've been to two and will see the third in may. Unlike their UK counterpart though, Primark Austria doesn't seem to suffer from the same untidiness. Things live happily on rails and shelves without ever seeing the floor. The stores also seem to have slightly better quality clothes and things that seem a little more tasteful than at home. The Austrian's love primark, with their new flagship store seeing queues prior to opening this last november.
C&A
the Fashion brand, once a familiar sight on UK high streets, still lives in Vienna. This Dutch firm is popular with the Viennese and I fairly popular with me. I love their lingerie section, whist their clothing is of good quality and cheap. They may not be cutting edge, but their great for picking up the staples like plain Vest tops or a standard pair of Jeans.
Palmers
Austrian Lingerie store that offers girls only the finest. From seduction to thermal underwear, Palmers has everything you'll need, at a price.
Triumph
British Lingerie brand Triumph has a big presence on the Austrian high street. The underwear is expensive and often a bit plain, but every now and again, something special will turn up that is a change from the norm.
TV, PC and other Electrical goods.
1. Saturn
This German company is the equivalent of Curry's/PC world, but so much more. Saturn has everything you'll need for you home, at least if it has a plug anyway. From PC's to washing machines, Irons to Large screen TV's (I'm talking about 80 inch 4K TV's that I saw just this december in several stores) Saturn even has DVD's CD's and LP's! There are huge racks of PC games to. Stores are often found in Malls where space is available. Bring your walking shoes to really enjoy a look around.
2. Media Mart
Sister company to Saturn, Expect the same size product range, along with similar prices. A great place to hang out on a hot day due to the compulsory Air con. A visit to the Vosendorf store is a real treat due to its size.
3. DiTech
If you need a new PC or are building one, then Ditech is for you. DiTech is a great place for technogeeks to shop for PC components from cases though to graphics cards and everything in-between. Prices are good and you can order online to pick up at any location in the city.
CD's, Books and DVD's
These shops don't quite fit into an easy definition. So here's a collection of stores that offer CD's and Books.
Muller
This German department store has over 100 stores in Austria and seem to stock just about everything. More like Woolworth's in the UK, Well, the store Woolworth's thought it was anyway, Muller has it all. CD's, DVD's, Console games, Toy's, Hosiery, Toiletries, household goods and even the odd groceries. Muller is well worth a trip. The Store on Mariahliferstrasse is huge. Muller's can also be found in most malls.
Libro
Libro is a great little store that defies genre. It has books, but without being a big book store. It has games consoles and games, but really isn't a technology store. DVD's and CD's for sale, without being a DVD shop. And then there are the office supplies, party supplies and so on. These curious little stores are great for picking up something you need, without knowing you needing it. Find them everywhere and in most malls.
Thalia
THE bookshop in Vienna. Huge stores, and filled with the smell of paper. For a book geek like myself, Thalia is a must visit. The stores on Mariahilferstrasse and Landstrasse station are huge and feature more than just books. PC's and components can be bought from Ditech instore, along with stationary, craft and painting supplies, DVD's and CD's. Both stores offer an English language section for those looking for English paperbacks. You'll find a few more in malls though out the city.
Morowa
Bookstore with a great selection of english magazines found down in the SCS Mall at Vosendorf. Plenty to see along with that all important paperback smell. Also sells DVD's and CD's, although choice is limited.
Malls
Malls are plentiful in Vienna, so here are just a few I've visited and enjoyed.
Mitte Wien
One of Vienna's newest malls, this new building is found as part of Mitte Wien station at Landstrasse. All the big names are here, and there are quite a few places to grab a bite. Mitte Wien also features the CAT or City Airport Train terminal where travellers can drop off their baggage before getting the train to the airport. This mall is a great place to relax on a hot day due to the excellent Air conditioning.
Danube Zentrum
This mall is found over the Danube on the U1 line. With over 200 stores, plenty of places to eat and even a multiplex cinema, the Danube Zentrum is the best mall in the city limits, at least in my opinion. Easy to get to from the Prater station as well as several tram lines, you can lose a whole day picking around the stores inside. Big names include C&A and Saturn.
G3 Shopping resort Geradorf.
This brand new mall opened in December 2012 and has big ambitions. Located way outside the city limits in Geradorf. A free shuttle bus can be found at Floridorf Station and it takes around 20 minutes to reach the mall in question. Inside there are are two big anchor stores, Primark and Merkur, along with the regulars like H&M and C&A. The food court offers a great Thai beef curry and outside the main shopping area there are few other stores to browse around. If your driving, don't worry about finding a space, with 4000 parking spots provided.
Ringstrasse Gallerien
This little mall is found right in the centre of the city on the ring. It's not a big place, but if you'd like toget a taste of how the other half live, the gallerien is the place to be. The basement feautres a Billa Corso and an interio.
SCS mall, Vösendorf.
Ok, this mall is not quite in Vienna, but it's the biggest mall you'll come across. With a free shuttle us from Siebenhirten on the U6 line, the mall is just a 15 minute journey. Alternatively you can catch the Ikea bus from the Ring for free providing you buy something from ikea. Everything at the SCS mall is big. Ikea forms as one of the anchor tenants along with interspar, saturn and a big multiplex. The mall has been undergoing a revamp since 2012 and just this summer, it got retrofitted and now features Austria's biggest Primark. Oudside of the main building, there's also an interio, and further up in the SCS park area (one stop,on from ikea on the free service bus) there are several more big shops including mediamarkt and a Conrad. Plan at least a day to see everything, more if you want to take in the surrounding area. One quick tip though. The Free bus from the Siebenhirten is usually painted in SCS advertising material, but the bus may be used on regular services to Mölding. Make sure you catch the bus from the right stop or you'll end up taking the scenic tour. And yes, I speak from experience.
Westbahnhöf station
Westbahnhöf station has a cracking little mall to pick around, and again the usual suspects are there. This makes a great place to start any shopping trip on Mariahilferstraße, as the stations it's at the bottom of the main shopping street. U-Bahn lines U3 and U6 stop here along with about a dozen tram lines.
Home furnishings.
Setting up home in Vienna is simple. Furnishing it though takes more. Vienna has a fantastic choice of home stores to pick around. You'll find something to suit every budget.
Ikea
Just like Swedish supergroup Abba, Ikea is everywhere. There are two huge stores in Vienna, Wien Nord and Vienna Vösendorf. Both are sutabliy large and feature all the furniture and furnishings we've come to love. A free bus departs for Vösendorf from the Ring and is only free if you buy something in store.
XXXLutz
Austria's answer to ikea. In fact! XXXLUTZ has even opened a store in Stockholm. Stores are just as huge and the Store at Vösendorf can be easily spotted by looking for the giant Red chair that sits outside it. That chair is a record breaker by the way. In the city, there are several XXXLUTZ stores. From my one visit to a store in the summer, prices are much higher than Ikea, so be prepared to spend if you see something you really like.
Mömax
Mömax
If XXXLUTZ is a bit on the rich side, then Mömax is probably a safer bet. Sister company to XXXLUTZ, Mömax is much closer to Ikea. Prices are good without being to cheap and the furniture seems to be bang up to date with the latest trends. Unlike ikea, you order your furniture at the till and it gets delivered to your door, so no worrying about finding space in the car. Mömax is a personal favourite and stores can be foud throughout the city.
Möbilix
Yet another sister company to XXXLUTZ, Möbilix is THE place to go for bargain furniture. Ex display units, slightly damaged stuff and things that just didn't sell in the other stores all find their way here. Prices are cheap, but the catch is simple. You buy it, you haul it away. Often found with XXXLUTZ or as seperate stores, if your looking for a bargain, this is your place.
Interio
Another Austrian brand that sells furniture and soft furnishings. Stores can be both big and small depending on location. Prices however aren't so small. My one visit to an interio store left me in no doubt it would be my last. If your looking for tht special item, then try here.
Leiner
This Aistrian furniture maker has stores everywhere. Whist I've yet to go into one, from the window displays I've seen, prices start highish and go up from there. Look for the green Leiner signs to find a store, and if you have a chance, try the in store restaurant. I've heard good things.
Kika
Sister company to Leiner, Kika offers great soft furnishings, kitchen essentials and various decorative touches that brighten any home. Try them at sale time to get some great bargains. There's usually something for every price range here.
So that's it, these are just the stores I can recall. There are hundreds of little stores, boutique shops and so on to pick through. Oh and don't even start me on coffee shops, cafe's, bars or restaurants. That's for another blog or four. Till then.
Jess
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