The distinctive old-world facade of Domeier’s German Store at 1020 S. Minnesota St. is adorned with festive garlands and flags for the spring season. Now in its 92nd year, the landmark business reopened Wednesday, continuing its long-standing tradition of serving the community during Holy Week. (Photo by Amy Zents)

NEW ULM — Domeier’s German Store reopened Wednesday for the season, marking its 92nd year in business.

The facade and interior of the shop at 1020 S. Minnesota St. show the results of meticulous preparation for the new season.

The reopening, timed traditionally for Holy Week, follows a winter hiatus dedicated to maintenance and restocking.

Anne Morris, who manages the landmark business, described the process as a complete refresh for the building.

“The store has been thoroughly cleaned, the floor is waxed, the windows have been washed, and the ribbons over the windows outside are up,” Morris said. “It’s a new season.”

​The store’s origins trace back to 1934, when Agatha Domeier opened the doors to what was then a corner grocery store.

It served the neighborhood in that capacity for nearly 40 years before a significant cultural shift occurred in the 1970s.

Inspired by several journeys to Germany, Agatha and her daughter, Marlene Domeier, began integrating authentic imports into the shop’s selection.

These trips allowed them to establish direct connections with European craftsmen, eventually transforming the neighborhood grocery into a specialty destination for German goods.

​Morris, the niece of Marlene Domeier, the previous proprietor, continues to operate the shop with an eye toward this lineage, which extends back to her great-grandmother, Leocadia Hagenmiller-Berger.

Reflecting on the store’s survival through nearly a century of change, Morris said her grandmother would be moved to see the business continuing today.

“If my grandmother were here, I think she would be thrilled,” Morris said.

​The store maintains regional traditions. A central feature is the Osterbaum, or Easter tree.

Though it remains on display year-round, its decorations shift with the calendar, adorned with items like wooden Easter eggs for spring and Christmas ornaments later in the year.

For the current reopening, it is decorated with hand-painted wooden eggs.

Morris described these specific items as very popular and very pretty, serving as a simple seasonal staple for visitors looking for small gifts.

Beyond the ornaments, the shop’s wooden cabinets house a variety of imports, from cuckoo clocks and beer steins to German hats and pins.

​The shop carries traditional European confections that have become a mainstay for the local community.

Visitors can find German chocolates, marzipan, and the store’s signature licorice varieties.

“We’re fully stocked both black and red licorice,” Morris said. “It’s always a popular choice.”

The shop also carries authentic German brands like Ritter Sport and Milka, alongside an assortment of traditional cookies and confections.

​The timing of the reopening is a deliberate reference to the store’s history.

By opening on the Wednesday after Palm Sunday, the shop continues a long-standing practice of being available during the final days of the Lenten season.

“The tradition is we always open up during Holy Week so people can get what they need for the Easter holiday,” Morris explained.

​Domeier’s is open Wednesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The store is closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Appointments for visits outside of these hours can be made by calling 507-354-4231.