Helsingborg

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Shopping and Groceries

An overview of shopping options, from supermarkets to malls and other essential goods.

Sections

1. Popular Shopping Areas in Helsingborg

Helsingborg has a variety of shopping districts and malls catering to different tastes and budgets. Here are the key areas:

a. City Center (Centrum)

  • Drottninggatan and Kullagatan: These are Helsingborg’s main pedestrian shopping streets. Kullagatan is Sweden’s oldest pedestrian street and is lined with a mix of international brands (like H&M, Zara, and Lindex), local boutiques, and specialty stores.
  • Stortorget: The main square in the city center is surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to combine shopping with sightseeing.

b. Väla Centrum

  • Located about 6 km northeast of the city center, Väla Centrum is one of Sweden’s largest and most popular shopping malls. It features over 200 stores, including major international brands (like IKEA, MediaMarkt, and Clas Ohlson), Swedish retailers (like Åhléns and KappAhl), and a variety of dining options.
  • How to Get There: Accessible by car or public transport (buses from Helsingborg Central Station).

c. Söder (Southern Helsingborg)

  • This area has a more multicultural vibe, with smaller shops, second-hand stores, and ethnic grocery stores. It’s a great place to find unique items and affordable options.

d. Helsingborg’s Markets

  • Kärnan Market: A seasonal market near the Kärnan Tower, offering local crafts, food, and souvenirs.
  • Farmer’s Markets: During the warmer months, you can find farmer’s markets selling fresh produce, flowers, and artisanal goods. Check out the market at Gustav Adolfs Torg.

2. Grocery Shopping in Helsingborg

Sweden has a well-organized grocery system, and Helsingborg offers a variety of options for buying food and household items. Here’s what you need to know:

a. Major Grocery Store Chains

  1. ICA:

    • One of Sweden’s largest grocery chains, with stores ranging from small convenience shops (ICA Nära) to large supermarkets (ICA Maxi).
    • Price Range: Mid-range.
    • Locations: ICA Maxi in Berga is a popular choice for bulk shopping.

  2. Coop:

    • Known for its focus on sustainability and organic products.
    • Price Range: Slightly higher than ICA but offers good quality.
    • Locations: Several stores across Helsingborg, including Coop Forum in Väla.

  3. Willys:

    • A budget-friendly chain offering a wide range of products at lower prices.
    • Price Range: Affordable.
    • Locations: Willys Helsingborg Väla and Willys Söder.

  4. Lidl:

    • A German discount chain with competitive prices and a mix of Swedish and international products.
    • Price Range: Very affordable.
    • Locations: Multiple stores in Helsingborg.

  5. Hemköp:

    • A mid-range grocery chain with a good selection of fresh produce and ready-made meals.
    • Price Range: Mid-range.
    • Locations: Found in central Helsingborg.

b. Specialty and Ethnic Grocery Stores

  • Asian and Middle Eastern Stores: Söder is home to several ethnic grocery stores offering spices, halal meat, and specialty products from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
  • Eco Stores: Helsingborg has a growing number of eco-friendly stores, such as Gröna Grodan, which focuses on organic and sustainable products.

c. Convenience Stores

  • Pressbyrån and 7-Eleven: Found near train stations and bus stops, these stores are great for quick snacks, drinks, and basic groceries but are more expensive than supermarkets.

3. Price Ranges for Groceries

Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to pay for common grocery items in Helsingborg (as of 2023):

  • Milk (1 liter): 12–15 SEK
  • Bread (loaf): 20–30 SEK
  • Eggs (12-pack): 25–35 SEK
  • Chicken (1 kg): 60–90 SEK
  • Apples (1 kg): 20–30 SEK
  • Rice (1 kg): 20–40 SEK
  • Coffee (500g): 40–60 SEK

Prices can vary depending on the store and whether the product is organic or imported.

4. Local Customs and Procedures

  • Bring Your Own Bags: Swedish stores charge for plastic bags (around 7 SEK per bag) to encourage sustainability. Bring reusable bags to save money and reduce waste.
  • Self-Checkout: Many grocery stores have self-checkout stations. You’ll need to scan and bag your items yourself.
  • Recycling (Pant System): Sweden has a deposit system for cans and bottles. When you buy drinks, you pay a small deposit (pant), which you can reclaim by returning the empty containers to recycling machines found in most grocery stores.
  • Opening Hours: Most grocery stores are open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, though smaller stores may close earlier. On Sundays, hours may be reduced.

5. Unique Considerations

  • Seasonal Produce: Swedes value seasonal and locally grown produce. In summer, look for fresh berries, while root vegetables dominate in winter.
  • Alcohol Purchases: Alcohol stronger than 3.5% ABV is sold only at Systembolaget, a government-run liquor store. There are several Systembolaget locations in Helsingborg, and they are typically open Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays).
  • Fika Culture: Don’t miss out on fika, the Swedish tradition of enjoying coffee and pastries. Many grocery stores sell pre-packaged fika treats like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) and cardamom buns (kardemummabullar).

6. Tips for Shopping in Helsingborg

  • Sales and Discounts: Look out for weekly deals (veckans erbjudanden) in grocery stores. Many stores have loyalty programs offering discounts and rewards.
  • Second-Hand Shopping: Helsingborg has a strong second-hand culture. Stores like Myrorna and Erikshjälpen offer affordable clothing, furniture, and household items.
  • Tax-Free Shopping: If you’re a non-EU resident, you can claim VAT refunds on purchases over 200 SEK. Ask for a tax-free form at participating stores.

7. Online Grocery Shopping

If you prefer shopping from home, many grocery stores in Helsingborg offer online shopping and delivery services:

  • MatHem: A popular online grocery store delivering a wide range of products.
  • ICA Online: Order groceries from ICA and pick them up in-store or have them delivered.
  • Willys Online: Budget-friendly online shopping with delivery or pickup options.

Helsingborg’s shopping and grocery scene is diverse, convenient, and easy to navigate. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, budget-friendly groceries, or unique local products, the city has something for everyone. Enjoy your time exploring Helsingborg!