Emeline V.
Yelp
It seems fitting that my first Munich review be of Angermaier, it is after all, a sort of metaphor for the city: it blends tradition with modernity, it is bloody expensive and the customer service is hit or miss.
To me the tracht was the center piece of my souvenirs. I don't care much for beer (sacrilegious!) but if I were to break the bank bringing something back, a dirndl would be it. So of course Angermaier seemed a natural shopping choice. Depending on the evening you choose, you either have the choice to browse, or fight for your life (which usually happens Thurs, and Friday evenings and during the days leading up to the Wiesn). The shop is a tad confusing since it is U-shaped. The dresses are ordered by size, and then by colour. Once you hit the size 46 completely at the back of the shop, the numbers decrease yet again all the way down to 32. If you are lost in the sizing system, take your US dress size, add 28. The orderly racks hide the fact that the selection is pretty dizzying, and annoying. When you think you have found something, the length isn't what you expected, the color isn't the same, and of course, your favourite model costs 3 times what you had saved.
Now, (after one or 2 visits I would suggest) you want to try something on. PLEASE, choose what you really want to try, then do so, and leave. Or maybe don't, and witness how excruciating it is to wait after a group of 14 year-old entered the cabins, go back-and-forth to find new stuff, then visibly take pictures (although it is forbidden), and leave empty-handed 45 minutes later. Seriously. The cabins are huge, and the person in front of you in line might suggest you share to save time, if you're not shy, this is a brilliant idea.
Going to Angermaier is a trying experience, especially if, like me, you are alone, don't speak german very well, and have no clue what will look good on you. In these times you will want a nice helping hand. In these times you will discover german customer service, or the lack thereof. The salesladies are not only intimidating, but seem completely uninterested in you, unless you are a 40-something very German Hausfrau who can argue. There are some gems: keep an eye on the elderly lady with the glasses, she routinely tours the cabins (and enters) asking if you want help and not really caring for the answer (which was helpful in my case). Another is the short-haired brunette, she is quite soft-spoken, but makes it her business to check-up on you after each dress (and she knows how long it takes to try one on). Both of these ladies were totally patient and helpful with me, but don't push your luck, when they are with someone else, you don't matter. No one minded my wonky German, but if you are intimidated, the blonde saleslady (who usually wears a hat) speaks good English.
Despite all its flaws, Angermaier has pretty pretty stuff, and since they go through the inventory quickly, chances are you will be back,whether you need to or not.