Oberpollinger
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 8pm
Not only was 'am Karlstor' a perfect location, but the Munich people's desire to shop was ignited and there was no serious competition in the near vicinity. Oberpollinger could not have been in a better position. Under the supervision of an Artist Commission, it took just 22 months to create a building in the Renaissance style that was a complete work of art, with its imposing atrium and lifts for customers, deliverymen and staff, which set luxurious new standards.
On 14th March 1905 the store opened. Following the examples of the exclusive product temples in London and Paris, the Oberpollinger store offered the people of Munich not only a superior selection of products, they also provided the latest luxuries - a fine tea room, an elegant travel agency and telephone kiosks for the public.
When the owners of the Emden & Söhne outlet moved back to Munich in 1927, Rudolph Karstadt took over the department store. To oversee the Oberpollinger store was his life's ambition. He lit up the building with 4,000 lights and introduced his new business model. As a result of his revolutionary initiative - low prices and cash payments instead of haggling and credit notes -business boomed at the Oberpollinger. New and exciting events, such as special offers, fashion shows or extravagant window displays would attract more custom through the doors. However, it wasnt just the products that attracted people, but also the reliability and confidence of the store, which was especially important after the World Wars.
In the second half of the 20th Century, Oberpollinger continued to extend its product range and became one of the most important shopping destinations in Munich and the surrounding area.
With a new look and following the lead of the legendary flagship store the KaDeWe, Oberpollinger has been presenting international luxury labels in the new fashion location over three floors since March 2008. And the Premium upgrades of the Fashion and Beauty Departments established Oberpollinger's position as a member of the Karstadt Premium Group. Plus, the forthcoming redesign of the whole Ground Floor will bring the store completely in line with the KaDeWe layout by autumn 2008.
Tourist Attraction: Oberpollinger - a Truly Modern
21st Century Department Store
In 1905, the press described this magnificent building as a breath of fresh air - an amazing construction with three ascending gables and glass-roof atrium. As in London and Paris, products were presented behind large display windows. Oberpollinger's high standards were clear to see even from the outside. With numerous exterior and interior updates that took place over its 100-year history, the store maintained a modern and luxurious style.
London-based architects Virgil & Stone have demonstrated, in the Munich of today, how shopping in the 21st Century can look. They have created a visionary and open design to stamp this traditional store with an exclusive personality and urban-lifestyle feel.