Bremen has thrived on business and commerce since it was founded. Today, you'll find lots of shopping options along two streets, Obernstrasse and Sögestrasse, as well as dozens of boutique-inspired gift shops in the Schnoor. The city's cutest stuffed teddy bears, available in all sizes and degrees of fuzziness, are sold at Bärenhaus, Stavendamm 9 (tel. 0421/3378419; tram: 4, 5, or 6), for prices that begin at 14€ ($18) for your garden-variety bear and can go much, much higher. Next door is Rapunzel, Schnoor 17 (tel. 0421/326403), an emporium for gift items, as well as T-shirts, souvenirs, books, and marionettes modeled after figures from the Brothers Grimm.
The best shop for women's fashions is Roland Kleidung, Sögestrasse 18-20 (tel. 0421/4788570; tram: 4, 5, or 6), although the town's largest department store, Karstadt, Obernstrasse 1 (tel. 0421/30710; tram: 4, 5, or 6), also stocks an impressive selection of less expensive garments. Antiques, including some brass fixtures salvaged from old ships, are sold at Antikitäten B&M, Fedelhörn 19 (tel. 0421/328282; tram: 10).
Leder-Koopman, Georgstrasse 56 (tel. 0471/302829; tram: 4, 5, or 6), has been making quality wallets, belts, bags, and other leather products for 100 years. Visit their shop to admire a level of craftsmanship that has become a rare commodity, and chances are you won't leave empty-handed. Bargain hunters swarm over the city's riverfront flea markets. The Weserflohmarkt is held at the Schlactel and Weser promenade every Saturday 10am to 4pm.
