20 years of encounters, sustainability and social participation
The Anziehungspunkt is a facility run by Diakonie Altholstein and has been an integral part of the social infrastructure in Neumünster for 20 years. The social department store is more than just a place to shop, as Gesa Kitschke, Managing Director of Diakonie Altholstein, describes it:
"20 years of Anziehungspunkt - that's 20 years of sustainability, future prospects and participation. What is created here every day is more than just shopping: it is many opportunities that make everyday life easier for many of our customers. Especially for people who have to get by on little money and still want to afford something nice. Our social department store makes it possible: with clothing, useful everyday items and a place where you are welcome. The support offered by our department store reaches the people who urgently need it. We would like to thank our loyal customers, our donors, our partners and everyone who keeps this department store running".nAt the same time, the Anziehungspunkt has stood for sustainability from the very beginning - as a response to the throwaway society. Goods that would otherwise be thrown away are given a second life by being passed on and recycled. This conserves resources and at the same time enables participation: ecologically effective and socially reliable.
In close cooperation with the Neumünster job center, the Anziehungspunkt also offers people practical experience and new prospects on their way into the job market. Thorsten Hippe, Managing Director of Jobcenter Neumünster, emphasizes the importance of the collaboration: "The Anziehungspunkt department store run by Diakonie Altholstein is a reliable partner for us, not only providing people with goods, but also giving them career prospects. Our cooperation shows this: When social institutions and job centers work hand in hand, real opportunities are created for people in our city to be professionally reintroduced to the job market."
"What has been going on here since it was founded in 2006 is an employment project that is close to the reality of the primary labor market: up to 50 people take part in work opportunities at the same time, receive individual pedagogical support and gain qualifications in various areas: in sales, in the warehouse, in textile processing, in the collection and delivery service or in the café," says Stephanie Vallentin, Head of the Work and Education Division at Diakonie Altholstein, describing the offers.
The festival week from June 8 to 12, 2026 has a special surprise in store for every day:
It kicks off on Monday from 10:00 to 13:30 with a waffle day - fresh waffles are available for just 1 euro - and a guessing question about the World Cup.
If you're looking for a real bargain on Tuesday between 10:00 and 18:00, you'll get your money's worth: roll the dice to decide the discount - from 10 to a whopping 60 percent off the entire range (except furniture), plus the wheel of fortune will be spinning.
On Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a free drink with lunch is on offer and a new guessing question provides excitement.
On Thursday afternoon, from 14:00 to 17:00, there will be another wheel of fortune and the classic "hot wire" for thrills and attractive prizes.
The grand finale on Friday from 12:00 to 15:00 is a colorful children's party with fresh grilled sausages, salads and lots of games - an afternoon for the whole family.
"What makes our Anziehungspunkt houses so special are the people behind them who support our employees on site: Volunteers, who are indispensable at every location, loyal donors and an established clientele. Together, they ensure the continued existence of facilities that have long been more than just department stores: they are an important part of the social infrastructure and services of general interest in their respective regions," says Gesa Kitschke.
Photo: Jörg Huber (Team Leader for Market and Integration at the Neumünster Job Center), Andreas Schwarz (Responsible Body Affairs at the Neumünster Job Center), Inken Engel (Head of Work and Education, Diakonie Altholstein), Stephanie Vallentin (Head of Work and Education, Diakonie Altholstein), Diana Lenz (Anziehungspunkt Neumünster), Gesa Kitschke (Managing Director, Diakonie Altholstein) (from left).