Meyer Garden Center is a very relaxing place. It is large, but easily walkable, with red brick…read morepavers leading to all corners. It is a masterpiece of planning and landscaping, a feast for the eyes. These folks know how to display their wares. One must pass under about eight nicely done arches (which are actually display models) when sojourning to each section of this outdoor store . . . Which is more like a well-tended park than a retail establishment. There is also a small cafe where a cup of that wonderfully rich German coffee and a fresh pastry can be had for under 3 Euros. A small number of tables seems to work just fine. Naturally, a full line of garden materials and supplies are sold here, in addition to live plants. This place is just about as good as it gets. It's worth visiting here, even if you don't buy anything but coffee and a pastry.

Ostmann Blumen is the premier garden shop in Wildeshhausen. It certainly has the most eye-catching…read morestorefront, towering glass walls (green, of course) unhindered by any opaque coverings. During the day, the sun shines in illuminating the plants, and after dusk, the interior lights provide a green, inviting aura. Obviously some serious money was spent on this attractive facade, because Ostmann is located just beyond a very busy corner . . . Well, not exactly a corner, a very busy roundabout. Believe me, you won't drive by this place with taking a quick glance at it, day or night. There is nothing quite like Ostmann in San Diego. The selection of plants and related materials, tools, hardware, supplies and paraphernalia is beyond extensive. This is one of those stores that if you can't find what you need here, you really didn't need it at all. Prices are not discounted. Standard retail prices apply to just about everything. But the selection is the draw, the inventory is the magnet that brings so many people to this place. That, along with the gorgeous green glass facade.

Toom is the German version of Home Depot, although on a much smaller scale, about half size…read more It is a general store for home improvement products, and it sells just about anything you would find at a Home Depot, from bricks to bird feeders, including live plants. It's popular, and enjoys a lot of foot traffic, and a busy parking lot, being well-located next to a high-volume Edeka grocery store.

Wow, need a gift, need a gift of flowers? This is the place to come. The floral arrangements are…read morejust stunning, although yes, a bit pricey. But the quality is there. This store is at the end of a mall connected to Famila grocery store. The floral scents can be detected about 20 feet away. Lovely.

Takko is a strong national chain selling women's clothing and related merchandise. It has the look…read moreof Nordstrom Rack, but the prices are not discounted much, if at all. Racks, racks, racks, not much in the way of actual artistic displays. It has the look of a budget store, but not necessarily the discounts. Just a matter of style, I guess. The store wasn't at all busy when I stopped in with my wife, but hey, they must be doing something right.

This particular Aldi is located contiguous with a Zimmerman, which is a low-end discount store. Not…read morethe best of company, by any means, but the low rent district allows for lower pricing. The store is not impressive. It's a bit drab in decor, but very clean and neat nonetheless. My wife and I did some shopping here, and I found the prices to be quite good. The Specials are terrific. For example, I bought a six-pack of half-liter Maternus pilsner beer for 1.69 Euros. Each Euro is worth $1.09 today, so that is an exceptional bargain. Prices on everyday items are quite good here, as well. The freezer cases were not super well stocked, but I suppose the store manager knows best what sells and what doesn't. The shelves were fairly bursting with inventory, and quite well faced up. Many Trader Joe's branded items were present on the shelves (TJ being a corporate sibling). Plenty of wine, but no Two-Buck Chuck. My main interest was to see this store in advance of seeing the Aldi which is opening in Chula Vista. It will be nice to compare and contrast.

Unbelievable! What a fantastic concept Tredy Fashions is. Most fashions are in the 25-40 euro…read morerange, and they have funky layering pieces that create many up to date looks. From what I understood (which admittedly was very little, since I dont speak German), is that the fashions are imported from Turkey. For 200 euro, I got excellent service, ongoing non-intrusive suggestions, and 7 mix and match pieces. There is a wide variety of sizes as well - size 36-46. This was bar-none, one of my best shopping experiences. There are so many ways to wear and layer these pieces. I went as far to see how much it would be to franchise one of these in Calgary, but it was too rich for my pocketbook. :)

I had a blast shopping at Tredy in Bamberg, Germany. It was the only shop where I bought any…read moreclothes for myself. Any chance of the store coming to the USA?

Upon entering, this store has the look and feel of a sole proprietorship. But it's just one of…read more1600 locations in the Ernsting's Family chain, which was founded in 1968. The racks are full of brightly colored merchandise, and that makes sense, since this store specializes in women's and children's apparel and accessories. In addition, it has several displays devoted to gift items. The salesclerk was friendly and efficient as she rang up our small purchase. Nothing for me here, but I'm still a fan.