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€ for your garden-variety bear and can go much, much higher.
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; www.karstadt.de; 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, Postbrookstrasse 58 (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.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
