Our History

It is quite possible that the Hamburg Tietz branch should thank businessman founder Oscar Tietz for not wanting to be personally robbed when buying fresh coffee for his food departments - which brought him to Hamburg to stay. He loved this lively and elegant Hanseatic city and, on 1st March 1897, he opened the first Hamburg Tietz Branch on Großen Burstah 12-14 in an old canal house. Up until then, Hamburg had never seen such a modern, well-equipped commercial building with such a wide range of goods and exclusive lighting. The city's inhabitants fell in love with the 'exquisite French hats', which Tietz had purchased himself in Paris, the creations of the 'Costume Department' - made-to-measure of course - or accessories such as pleureuse (ostrich feather trimming for ladies' hats), silk fans and parasols. The department store along Großen Burstah stocked an amazingly extensive list of products, from household goods to books and from furniture and oriental carpets to food. In the meantime, Jungfernstieg had become Hamburg's most popular 'promenade mile' - and Tietz did not hesitate for a minute to set himself up at this top address just at this perfect time. He acquired Scholvins Passage with two rows of houses, including the adjoining 'Zum Kronprinzen' Hotel, which was the biggest property purchase that Hamburg had ever known, covering an area of 5,200sqm.

On the 24th April 1912, the 'Waarenhaus Hermann Tietz', later renamed Alsterhaus, opened its doors for the first time. The range of items in this new department store was accordingly increased and customer services were constantly improving. There was a snack bar, a writing room and even a reading area for the clientele. The large food department - stocked with fresh meat, freshwater and sea fish, as well as fruit and delicacies from all over the world was a complete novelty for the citizens of Hamburg. Alsterhaus quickly became a Hamburg institution.

The store survived both World Wars almost undamaged. However, the legendary glass dome over the quadrangle became a victim of the Zeitgeist of post-war architecture. On 24th April 1987, Alsterhaus celebrated its 75th birthday and this was regally marked by a visit from Prince Charles and Princess Diana that autumn. In 1994, Karstadt AG took over the management of Alsterhaus and decided in June 2003 to renovate and restructure the distinguished old department store. With building work recently completed in the beauty and accessories departments, Alsterhaus now breathtakingly combines traditional architecture with modern interior design and provides visitors with a unique shopping experience and top international luxury designs.

1st March 1897

Opening of the first Hamburg Tietz Branch on Großen Burstah 12-14, in an old canal house - a modern, well-equipped commercial building with a wide range of goods and exclusive lighting.

24th April 1912

Opening of the 'Hermann Tietz Department Store' on Jungfernstieg 16-20, one of Hamburg's most popular 'promenade mile'.

1936

Refurbishment, restructuring and renaming of the company as Alsterhaus.

1948

Takeover of Alsterhaus by Hertie. The company's owner Georg Karg bases himself at the Alsterhaus to coordinate the rebuilding of the Hertie Company.

until 1961

Alsterhaus remains Hertie's headquarters.

1972

Acquisition of Dyckhoffhaus and expansion of 5,200sqm retail space to 19,000sqm at a cost of DM 40 million.

1983

Complete refurbishment of Alsterhaus over ten-month period. Cost: DM 50 million.

24th April 1987

75th anniversary of Alsterhaus with a visit from HRH Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

1994

Takeover of Hertie by Karstadt AG.

June 2003

Decision to rebuild and restructure Alsterhaus.

2005

Work finishes on Alsterhaus and the reopening is celebrated in style. Alsterhaus displays its international designers and trendy, innovative brands.

February 2006

Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH amalgamates its most prestigious department stores under the name Premium Group.

2007

The beauty department on the Ground Floor is redesigned in the luxurious style of the legendary flagship department store KaDeWe.

2008

Opening on the Ground Floor of the new accessories department featuring international designer brands.

September 2010

Ab 2. September 2010 übernimmt Nicolas Berggruen als Investor die Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH.