Our daily lives are getting more and more expensive. Just this past weekend, gas prices skyrocketed across Germany. Especially on a tight budget, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to balance daily life and leisure time. That makes affordable or free events and real bargains in the city all the more welcome. You’ll find exactly that at the Sewan department store at Sewanstraße 186 in Berlin-Lichtenberg—more specifically, in Friedrichsfelde. It’s both a social department store and a social employment project. The items on offer come from donations and are resold at exceptionally low prices.
The items offered there comefrom donations and are sorted, inspected, cleaned, or refurbished before sale. They are then resold at low prices. What makes it special is that anyone can shop at the Sewan Department Store. You don’t have to receive welfare benefits or prove a certain income to shop there. However, people with low incomes can obtain a Sewan Department Store card, which entitles them to an additional 30 percent discount.
The selection goes far beyond traditional secondhand clothing. The assortment includes women’s, men’s, children’s, and baby clothing, as well as shoes and bags. In addition, you’ll find household goods such as dishes, pots, pans, and vases, various decorative items, appliances, and toys. Books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and vinyl records are also available. Special conditions apply to the acceptance of donated appliances. Due to the one-year warranty obligation, the department store states that it only accepts appliances that are less than five years old. When it comes to furniture, however, caution is advised. On its current website, the Sewan department store explicitly states that it does not accept or pick up furniture donations. Since some older sources still mention furniture, you should refer to the department store’s current information in this regard.
The Sewan Department Store isn’t just about giving used items a second life. The store is also a so-called income-supplement project where up to 30 people can find employment, daily structure, and a sense of community. The program is aimed in particular at people with mental health challenges and/or substance use disorders. Employees take on various tasks and work, for example, in sales, cleaning, sorting, and transportation, as well as in administration or the laundry. No prior experience or specific professional qualifications are required. The number of hours worked is agreed upon individually and, according to the store, ranges from three to 15 hours per week.
The project’s history dates back to 2010 , when the idea for the social department store was conceived. Renovation began in 2011. The director at the time, Wolfgang Kuleßa, was awarded the Lichtenberg Bezirkstaler in 2022 for his dedication. Anyone who has items at home that are in good condition but no longer needed can donate them to the Sewan department store. Donations are accepted at the side entrance up to 30 minutes before closing time . The store prefers donations in typical household quantities, as well as items that are clean, seasonally appropriate, and in working condition. For clothing, the department store recommends a quantity of about two bags or moving boxes.
