Karstadt’s Department Store
Karstadts is the premiere department store in Novandria, owned and run by the Karstadt family. The store offers customer service by knowledgeable and friendly staff that come in all walks of life that make up the wide range of population within Eisen itself. This is the ideal place to purchase all our at home needs, and then some.
North side of the Market district, facing central park. Across from central park pond.
Purpose / Function
Karstadt's Department Store offers high quality goods and those seeking luxury and specialty items. At special request, high profile clients may secure an exclusive shopping experience by appointment only to enjoy the store unencumbered with their own personal store attendant, or book a fashion salon for a private viewing.
Architecture
The building stands as a work of art that uses both elements of older and modern influence. The inner portion of the U shaped building has a flat front. Awnings cover the windows on the first floor to keep the glare from intruding on the shoppers inside. Above the entrance way two figures of Lucetius lounge on their side facing opposite directions. Dotted around on ledges and on top of columns are statues of different races that make up Eisen. The same design of statues and columns is carried over to the front of the north and south wing building. The center dome in the center of the building's roof houses a large clock that can be seen across the park.
Once the customers walk through the front doors they are welcomed into a world of opulence that gives a sense of walking into a fantastical land of wonder. Among the notable items in the north and south wing are the two large statues, one of Lucetius in one wing and one of Rhemnys in another wing, and the stained glass ceiling that features images and designs for Lucetius, Rhemnys, Fodla, and Kallias.
Each floor is separated into smaller departments, these are some of the departments.
The first floor provides a full range of options in the food department, restaurant, and tea room.
The second floor has household products including a deity themed selection.
The third floor offers clothing, accessories, and personal items.
The fourth floor is offices to procure services, such as banking, hire and entertainment, household service, insurance, photography, and theater tickets.
The fifth floor contains speciality departments.
Defenses
The first floor has entrance doors and windows with glass panes covered in wrought iron scroll design perfect to let the sun in and keep burglars out. A team of two doormen are stationed on the outside and the inside of the store. At night an entire squad of guards patrol the store. In the basement the vault houses the items too expensive to put on display and the high price items during the evening.
History
In 1846 The Karstadts first opened Karstadt Timepieces, a small shop in the center of the South Ward, with Ludwig being the designer and craftsman. Sabina ran the business and handled the day-to-day affairs. Seeing the need in the community they expanded to include general everyday items and rebranded as Karstadt's Goods. With some luck and success they were able to open a secondary location in the Central Ward near the docks. Having established the quality of the Karstadt name they built and opened the first department store in Novandria.
Tourism
Being the first of its kind and at such a large scale the store attracts the curious and the shopping enthusiasts alike. With rotating displays and holiday decorations there is always something new to see. Karstadt is the perfect place to purchase unique items for souvenirs, but also taste the cuisine of Eisen at the restaurant and tea room.
Founding Date
1876
Type
Shopping mall / Commercial Complex
Parent Location
Owner
Additional Rulers/Owners
Characters in Location
Related Traditions