From souvenirs such as shirts and hats to writing utensils and quizzes, the new Bundestag store sells a wide variety of products branded with the German parliament's insignias. Sipping coffee from a mug with a Bundestag eagle on it? Staying dry under an umbrella resembling the Reichstag's dome? All of this is possible now that the Bundestag shop has opened. The shop located at the parliament's building in Berlin is not only open to the 20,000 government officials and employees, but also to the general public, especially the 500 to 2,000 daily visitors of the Reichtstag. Bundestag as a brand The souvenirs are meant to help boost recognition of the Bundestag as a trademark. The Bundestag's vice-president, Johannes Singhammer (CSU) said at the shop's opening that he would like to promote more identification with the House of the Federal Parliament. "We want to be more appreciated," said the CSU politician with a playful wink, "the Bundestag is in high demand – at least compared to other national parliaments." Two years ago, the Bundestag signed a merchandising contract with the company Museion Versand who now have the rights and necessary licenses to manufacture the products. A portion of the earnings go directly to the Bundestag.
