Idar-Oberstein is flying the flag for local trade: on Friday and Saturday, September 12 and 13, 2025, the gemstone metropolis will once again be part of the Germany-wide IHK campaign "Heimat shoppen" - and thus officially become a "Heimatshoppen" city! Under the joint umbrella, retailers, service providers and restaurateurs invite you to shop, enjoy and be inspired locally.
Shop locally, shape the future
The aim of the campaign is to raise public awareness of the importance of local retailers and restaurants. After all, those who shop in their home town not only ensure full shopping bags, but also lively streets, apprenticeships, cultural offerings and a tangible sense of community.
"Our retailers, our cafés, hairdressers, pharmacies, restaurants - they all make Idar-Oberstein a better place to live," emphasize the organizers. "They create identity and are often the first point of contact for requests, discussions and support in everyday life."
To make the objectives of the project more transparent, six good reasons for Heimat shopping were also defined: Home shopping strengthens our community / Home shopping reduces environmental impact through short distances / Home shopping secures jobs and training / Home shopping supports events, clubs and initiatives / Home shopping makes our community worth living in / Home shopping means: shopping with neighbors and friends
Colorful finale with "Citymood & Friends"
A very special highlight awaits visitors on Saturday, 13 September from 2 p.m.: the Idar pedestrian zone will be transformed into a cheerful festival mile with the final festival of the federal program "Sustainable inner cities and centers". Under the motto "Citymood & Friends", there will be creative hands-on activities for families, performances by children for children, culinary delights and plenty of opportunities to marvel, laugh and enjoy.
A weekend for the whole city
"Heimat shoppen" is much more than just a shopping campaign - it is an invitation to all citizens to help shape their city. Buying locally means investing in quality of life, jobs and a vibrant community. So grab your shopping bag, invite your friends and experience together how much our home has to offer!