Many shoppers come to St. Gallen seeking embroideries. The best place to look is Sturzenegger Broderie, Oberer Graben 46 (tel. 071/222-45-76), established in 1883. Here you'll find a large variety of tablecloths, place mats, doilies, and napkins, both hand- and machine-made. Sturzenegger also sells blouses, handkerchiefs, shawls, scarves, and children's frocks, as well as a large assortment of nightgowns, pajamas, and women's lingerie.
You can find real bargains when the local textile factories have clearance sales, usually in January and July. The tourist office can provide specifics.
To see how the embroideries -- both hand- and machine-made -- of St. Gallen are produced, call Försterhoner Embroiderie, Flurhofstrasse 150 (tel. 071/243-15-15), which is 10 minutes by car from the center of town in the direction of Bodensee. You need an appointment, but they'll show you the factory and explain the process to you.
Finally, Graphica Antiqua, Marktgasse 26 (tel. 071/223-50-16), is a real shopping find, selling an array of antique prints of Swiss landscapes, including the Alps and "Heidi meadows." Prints are available from all parts of Switzerland, and each region is clearly identified in the shop.
