Caitlin and Bryan Sanderson wanted to create something meaningful. Upon moving to Berlin from Los Angeles, they immediately opened their store 1213bst on Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße in 2017 with the aim of establishing a platform for diversity and sustainability. The idea behind the store is both persuasive and simple: The duo buys clothes, shoes and accessories from trading customers. But unlike the typical second-hand store, the seller can choose to receive either cash in hand or an in-store trade credit. The newest addition to their concept is the online shop 1213bst.com. Their brick-and-mortar location’s interior is tastefully designed with subtle details. Generous amounts of white space and light woods create a positive and carefree atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome. For Caitlin, who has worked for various non-profits such as ACLU for the past 15 years, openness and diversity are central to her identity. Bryan, who ran the Weltenbuerger concept store for cosmopolitans in LA, remarks: “A truly diverse crowd of people shop here. And bringing them all together gives me more pleasure than making a statement with an exclusive fashion label.” (Text: Claudia Zenk / Photos: Emilie Wade)

1213bst, Rosa-Luxemburg-Str.19, 10178 Berlin-Mitte; map

Mon-Sat 12–20h

Claudia Zenk studies the history of art at Humboldt University Berlin while working at Softspace and David Chipperfield Architecture, among other places. Besides digital issues, she is interested in people, houses and books as well as the interaction between them all.

As indicated by its name, don’t expect to find vodka or other Polish clichés at No Wódka, a concept store in Prenzlauer Berg. Instead, be prepared for a slightly different image of Poland, corresponding to the aesthetic preferences of Aleksandra Kozlowska, who opened the shop in 2014. From furniture, home accessories, through clothes to jewellery – all sorts of high quality products that reflect current trends in Polish design are selected by the owner. The whole assortment is made in Poland: pieces by smaller and bigger brands, but no mass-produced articles. For the store’s look and feel, Kozlowska teamed up with Studio Kontent in Warsaw. Handpicked items are showcased within the minimalist store interior, dominated by white and neutral shades, mixed with scaffolding beams. The space can be easily transformed and rearranged for various purposes such as occasional art exhibitions, workshops and other events. This very consistent strive to charm away stereotypes about Poland makes No Wódka something more than just a shop. It’s somewhat a cultural institution and therefore my personal favorite when it comes to Polish spots in Berlin. (Text: Justyna Burzynski / Photos: Baba Wie, No Wódka)

No Wódka, Pappelallee 10, 10437 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg; map

Mon-Wed 12-19h, Thu-Sat 11-19h

Justyna Burzynski runs Berlinsko, a blog dedicated to Berlin’s Polish community, spends most of her free time at bouldering gyms, likes exploring Berlin and writing about it. She’s lived in Neukölln since 2012.