By Danilo Gladow
If you’re looking for traditional Berlin shops, you can’t miss them: Hobbyshop Rüther and Deko Behrendt.
Hobby shop Rüther
Pottery and art supplies, beads or wool – this shop for hobbyists and creative people is a real Berlin institution! Founded on August 18, 1969 on Goltzstrasse in Schöneberg, it is still going strong today – and is still run by the family.
There are now four branches in the city. The philosophy behind it? “We want to give everyone the right material for their creative hobby at an affordable price,” says managing director Martin Rüther, whose parents founded the hobby shop. He still carries on the family legacy with his heart and soul.
Managing director Martin Rüther in his shop in Schöneberg. The company has been family-owned for over 50 years Photo: Parwez
“It’s always a pleasure and a nice feeling for me when you realize that the effort you put in is recognized,” he says. And further: “Even when customers come and say that they were there as a child – it’s a nice feeling.”
Since 1969, hobbyists and creative people have found everything they need for their hobby in the Rüther hobby shop on Schöneberg’s Goltzstrasse Photo: Parwez
But for him, tradition also means responsibility. Especially from the main store in Schöneberg, Rüther has the feeling “that we are important for the neighborhood here.” However, he feels the greatest responsibility is for his employees, because “of course you also have to say that we also feel the pressure of gentrification “, he says. But: He also sees a challenge in the future. “We always try to adapt to the zeitgeist. These are exciting times!”
Deco Behrendt
It was the Berlin specialist shop for party and carnival accessories: Deko-Behrendt. The festive goods store, originally opened in 1914 by Georg Behrendt in a small Schöneberg backyard, unfortunately had to close in March 2021 during the Corona crisis.
But: The Deko-Behrendt brand will remain for Berliners. duo Markenshop GmbH revived it in September 2022 – in the duo flagship store on Potsdamer Platz. Why? “The connection to the Deko-Behrendt brand and to Berlin prompted us to preserve and revive it,” says the company. But you have nothing to do with the old owners.
From the Schöneberg backyard to the flagship store on Potsdamer Platz – the traditional brand Deko-Behrendt Photo: Deko Behrendt
What makes the Deko-Behrendt myth so special? “First and foremost, the brand embodies ‘happiness’ – a human need.” The brand’s popularity extends far beyond the borders of Berlin: According to duo Markenshop GmbH, “around 30 percent to 40 percent of our customers are tourists.”
Look at the range at Deko-Behrendt Photo: Deko Behrendt
No matter whether Christopher Street Day, Carnival of Cultures or Techno Parades – partygoers will find everything they need here – including for Halloween, of course. “Our activity area with costumes, masks and carved pumpkins welcome the event’s fan base.”
Well then: trick or treat.