City-Märt

City-Märt in Aarau offers a distinct and welcoming atmosphere that transforms everyday shopping into a genuine experience. Located at Bahnhofstrasse 21, this shopping centre is more than just a collection of stores; it serves as a popular meeting place in the heart of Aarau, Aargau. As the owner describes, "Wenn das Wetter mal nicht mitspielt, ist City Märt Aarau immer eine gute Idee" — when the weather isn't cooperating, City-Märt is always a good idea.

The centre brings together a variety of retailers, dining options, and services under one roof, making it a convenient destination for a quick stop or a relaxed afternoon. From fashion and beauty to groceries and fitness, the diverse directory of shops caters to a wide range of daily needs. Whether you are looking to enjoy a leisurely lunch, grab a coffee, do some shopping, or hit the gym, everything is accessible in one central Aarau location.

Shops and Stores at City-Märt

The shopping centre hosts a broad mix of businesses, including well-known Swiss retailers and specialty shops. The directory features several key anchor stores alongside smaller specialty boutiques.

• Department Stores: MANOR, a large-format department store with a 4.1-star rating on Google Maps, offers fashion, home goods, and more. Coop City Aarau provides another comprehensive department store experience.
• Fashion & Clothing: With at least five clothing stores, including C&A Aarau (rated 4.3 stars), shoppers can find styles for men, women, and children. The centre also features two shoe stores and a selection of accessories.
• Health & Beauty: Six shops in the health and beauty category offer cosmetics, skincare, and wellness products. A jewelry store is also available for those looking for accessories and gifts.
• Groceries: The Migros-Supermarkt - Aarau - Igelweid, located on the ground floor, serves as the primary grocery anchor with a 4.2-star rating.

Dining Options and Restaurants

A major draw of City-Märt is its diverse culinary offering. With six food and drink venues, the centre provides options for every appetite, from a full meal to a quick snack. The owner highlights this convenience: "Einfach mit dem Auto reinfahren, unten parkieren und oben den Tag geniessen: gemütlich lunchen, eine Kaffeepause machen."

Migros Restaurant

This popular spot is a well-known meeting point, offering a rich and varied selection. Guests can enjoy cold, warm, and sweet buffets for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. Daily and weekly menus provide fresh choices, with short waiting times and an uncomplicated atmosphere being key features. Links to the current menu and combo plans are available on the City-Märt website.

Migros Take Away

For those on the go, Migros Take Away provides daily freshly prepared "Genuss to go." The menu includes crispy sandwiches, fruity Birchermüeslis, fresh salads, hot dogs, pasta, and pizza, all practically packaged for takeaway. A selection of fine coffee, cold drinks, and smoothies completes the offer at budget-friendly prices.

Coop Restaurant

The Coop Restaurant focuses on fresh preparation with a strong emphasis on ingredients from sustainable production. Daily, a large selection of enjoyable, balanced, and reasonably priced meals and drinks is available. The open kitchen concept puts the freshness at the center of the experience.

China House

For lovers of Asian cuisine, China House prepares fresh Chinese dishes daily. The kitchen specializes in popular and classic Chinese recipes with various flavor variations and fresh vegetables. According to a Google Maps review, the "kulinarische Angebot im China House Restaurant & Take Away" is a positive highlight for visitors.

Customer Experience and Reviews

City-Märt holds a 4.2-star rating on Google Maps based on over 800 reviews, indicating a generally positive customer experience. Feedback from visitors offers a nuanced picture of the centre's strengths and areas for improvement.

What Visitors Appreciate

A recurring theme in reviews is the centre's central location and convenience. One review snippet highlights that the centre is "Zentral und mit Zugang zu vielen Geschäften und den Parkhäusern." The variety of shops and the presence of major retailers like Migros and Manor are frequently mentioned positives. The owner's responsive engagement with reviews, thanking visitors for feedback and addressing concerns, is also evident.

Common Criticisms

Not all feedback is glowing. A common complaint relates to the parking situation, particularly on busy days. One reviewer, Maki Maki, strongly advises against parking on a Saturday, citing extreme congestion and an inability to exit the parking garage for hours. They noted, "Parkieren an einem Samstag nicht zu empfehlen!! Es ist nicht möglich, innert Stunden rauszufahren. Sehr viel Stau." The management clarified that the parking garage is operated by an external company. Another reviewer, Swiss Oldie on Tour, described the atmosphere as somewhat "düster" (gloomy) but praised the food in the lower ground floor. A long-term reviewer, JoudHard Sr., considers City-Märt a local institution but notes that it "wird seinem Ruf nur bedingt gerecht" — it only partially lives up to its legendary reputation, housing some solid shops but lacking a certain "gewisse Etwas" (special something).

Location and Accessibility

City-Märt is situated directly at Bahnhofstrasse 21, in the city center of Aarau, placing it within easy reach of the main train station and public transport. The centre is a recognized LGBTQ+ friendly business.

For visitors arriving by car, on-site parking is available. However, based on customer reviews, the parking situation can become extremely congested, especially on Saturdays. The management has noted that the parking facility is run by an external operator, and they direct specific parking-related concerns to the parking house's contact directly. The