Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Denmark
Timetable
The opening hours are quite flexible. Stores generally open from 9am/10am to 5pm/6pm on weekdays, but close around 3pm on Saturdays. Department stores and shopping malls - Illum or Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall - are open continuously from 10am to 9pm/22pm, including Sundays.
For shopping, many supermarket chains are present in the different districts: Netto, Føtex, SuperBrugsen, Fakta and Irma. The usual hours are from 8am to 10pm, but they can vary. We advise you to check the websites of each chain.
In the Faroes: SMS-Torshavn shopping center, various shops open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm. Most stores are open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Budget & Tips
VAT is included in the advertised price, which is displayed in Danish kroner. You can pay by credit card almost everywhere. Check with your bank to find out the commission charges involved in the transaction.
Great info! In the Faroes, all non-residents are exempt from the 25% value-added tax (VAT) on purchases over 300 DKK (subject to regulatory conditions). Stores are marked with a blue and white "Tax Free" sign - 200 stores throughout the Faroe Islands.
What to do? At the checkout, when you buy your item, ask for a tax refund cheque. Fill in the form. Before checking in at departure time, have your form validated either by customs at Vágar airport, or by customs in the M/F Norrøna departure hall (cheques must be stamped by customs before boarding). The customs officer may ask to see your purchases before validating your tax refund cheque.
To receive a refund: by credit card, write your credit card number on the tax refund cheque and mail the envelope for a direct refund to your credit card. Note: it may take up to 6-8 weeks to process the card and receive the funds. In cash, go to the information desk at Vágar airport or on board the M/F Norrøna. Refunds can also be made on board cruise ships.
Note: a fee will be charged for cash refunds.
Sales
Like its neighbor, Sweden, Denmark has no legal framework for sales. They take place twice a year as in most European countries. Department stores start on December 27 and end at the end of February. In summer, the period runs from the beginning of June to the end of August. However, the sales are not as interesting as in a capital like London!
What's very local
Danish design can be found in decorative objects, from key rings and coffee sets to furniture and lighting by Bo Bendixen and Aveva Design. And let's not forget clothing fashions, from Beck Sondergaard's sequined socks to the floral socks of Finnish competitor Marimekko! As for food, a few savory notes (smoked salmon or herring) accompanied by sweet treats (Karamelleriet caramel, Svend Mikelsen chocolate and Lakrids by Johan Bülow licorice) served with an Aquavit or a tea (A.C Perch's Thehandel - official supplier to the Danish court; Nute packaged in pretty wooden boxes) will prolong your Danish stay in style! Finally, to maintain your hygge "pampering" and feel good when you get home, consider Meraki cosmetics for hand, foot and body care... We love it!
In the Faroes, traditional handicrafts have taken on a new lease of life. Knitting is more fashionable than ever, thanks to designers like Guðrun & Guðrun, who use Faroese wool to produce high-end garments sold worldwide (especially sweaters); Navia or Sirri, Jóhanna av Steinum or Soul Made/Einstakt. Creation is not limited to needles and pincushions: Faroese glassmaking is another quality craft at Rabarbuglas and Mikkalina Glas, leather goods or fish or sheepskin jewelry at Fosaa, Faroese music is renowned at Tutl and... Faroese alcohol, like beer, can be found in the state monopoly store Rúsan. An address in Torshavn: Østrøm, a designer boutique.