Archives for “Shopping” tag

This isn’t a shop for shopaholics, or perhaps it is. It depends on how you sate your addiction, by buying one-off expensive pieces or buying large quantities of lesser priced items. If you’re the former addict, then this place may be your downfall.

I have to admit I do not own anything from here (yet!), as it is the kind of place you walk out of 200 CHF poorer with only a hat, albeit a beautiful hat, to show for your investment. However, I find it’s the optimal place to go to on those days I aspire to be more, well, eclectic. The inspiration you get from this place is enough to place it on my list of favourite shops. It’s quite simply a breath of fresh air from all the mainstream brand boutiques you find on Bahnhofstrasse.

Even the layout of the shop beckons you to wander in and take a little gander at what they have to offer – it’s almost as if the clothes are walking on their own little catwalk!

If you fall in love with something and then kick yourself for not having the guts to buy it then and there, their new online shop will erase all your regrets.

If ever there was an unorthodox combination to fixate one’s attention upon, Beat Heuberger’s chilli and booze pairing has got to be up there in the top 3 or so. Surely.

I kept cycling past this intriguing looking shop on a daily basis – people were always sat outside it sipping wine and enjoying the neighbourly atmosphere of the semi-piazza it’s located in … and yet it didn’t look like a bar. It wasn’t until I caught the glimmer of a wall lined with wine bottles that I hopped off my bike to take a peek. On one wall was an impressive collection of intriguing wines, ports, cognacs and grappas and on the other side was, in its own way, an even more striking collection of glass containers each containing a different chilli substance or some sort of other herbal concoction.

Try to count the types of chili displayed in this amazing collection and you would be there all day. Another activity you could take part in is the wine tasting session offered, or perhaps you’re brave enough to sign up for the chilli tasting. You can see in the picture that the bar is equipped with chilli powders for you to try. Whatever you end up tasting – this shop is a must for foodies and wine lovers.

For an up to date calendar of what Beat has planned for the year, take a peek here. Now is the right time of year to go and buy his raw chillis. 

The thought of cramming a sofa into one’s suitcase may put some visitors to Zurich off the idea of taking a peek at a furniture shop, but let me tell you, Neumarkt is not your average furniture shop. You also don’t have to worry about inadvertently buying something as most of their wares are astronomically priced.

So let’s see if I can convince you to hush the practical voice in your head and consider a trip to this place more akin to a wander around an art gallery. The sumptuous furniture on display is nice enough to look at but what will really have your jaw dragging along the ground is the building itself. From the outside it appears to be nothing more than a regular old-style apartment building. Then you step inside to find that an Alice in Wonderland scenery has been recreated for adults!

The first time I walked in I was wearing a skirt – you may want to avoid this as half the building’s floors are iron grates and totally see-through from below! Below the grates you’ll see a pool of water and when you follow the stairs down to the pool and turn a corner you’ll discover a whole new feature. I’ll stop here with the description to avoid ruining the fun!

The thing is, although I’m recommending this place, this is exactly the kind of shop I try to avoid. The only safe way for me to enter shops that offer such beautiful things should offer either handcuffs or credit card control schemes and in my case both would only just hold me back from dropping mad cash on random objects that appeal to my “artsy” side.

I keep trying to rationalize my visits by saying that the Swiss domestic economy is in need of rescue due to the strong Euro and that it’s my duty to do all I can to save the country I’ve adopted as my home. It’s shopaholic logic, I know.

Whether you need cool new headphones to show off, whether you want brightly colored garden furniture even though you don’t have a garden or whether you don’t plan on buying anything at all, this is where you will find that something you’ve been hankering after (even if only subconsciously).

If it’s news to you that the Swiss love design (and not just designer clothes a la Bahnhofstrasse), then pop into this shop to be educated. There is also one on Seefeldstrasse 96 should you be in that part of town. To round up your education you should probably hop over to Neumarkt too (check the article).

Now for those of you in need of a quick fix, Einzigart has opened up a little shop right next to Kaufleuten on Pelikanstrasse 18.

When I first arrived in Zurich I immediately went to this place to stock up on some Japanese essentials. There is a Japanese food corner in Globus and Jelmoli but the selection is by far the most extensive at Nishi. You can buy rice in bulk (up to 10kg) and you can find fresh ingredients such as lotus root and proper tofu (not just the tetra pack kind). I was most happy about the ice cream and spent a few minutes wondering how much trouble they must go through to bring frozen goods to Switzerland from Japan.

If you’re looking for some Japanese bits and bobs for around the house like little decorations and kitchenware, then Nishi most likely has what you’re looking for. If you’re a Japanese television drama and film fan you can rent DVDs for CHF 4 or so. It may be a small shop, but it’s equipped with a myriad of nostalgia inducing objects for the Japanese residents of Zurich. For non-Japanese visitors it provides a great selection of food to get acquainted with.

Don’t forget, there is much more to Japanese food than sushi so get yourself over to Nishi to stock up on the alternatives, such as natto and Japanese pickles.