Ann Morris, granddaughter of Domeier’s founder, keeps the family business going after 84 years.

NEW ULM — On Wednesday, Domeier’s German Store at 1020 S. Minnesota St. celebrated its 84th anniversary.

The store opened July 18, 1934, as a grocery store run by Agatha and Marlene Domeier. The mother and daughter team began turning the store into a German-theme store after making contact with product suppliers in Germany and other European countries.

Today, the store is managed by Agatha’s granddaughter Ann Morris. Its a must-see shop for tourists interested in German culture.

Thursday afternoon, Morris was busy ringing up customers from all across the state, many of whom were in town for the Bavarian Blast celebration. As luck would have it, Domeier’s anniversary is a few days from the start of Bavarian Blast.

Sonya Calef from New Hope was in the shop to buy a set of German-themed hats. Calef said she had been coming to the festival with her husband since it became Bavarian Blast. The couple makes a point of stopping at Domeier’s each year.

Morris said the festival always brings in a crowd. “A UPS driver told us he was seeing license plates in town from all over country,” she said. A couple from Idaho that came into the store said they were in town early so as not too miss a thing.

The influx of tourists to New Ulm means Domeier’s will be hit hard by those seeking to take a piece of New Ulm home with them. Since Domeier’s is said to be the most German store in the most German U.S. town, it’s less a question of “if” visitors will stop inside, but a question of “when.”

Morris said their top-selling item is chocolate, followed by beer steins and cuckoo clocks. Christmas decorations are also popular and remain out all year.

After 84 years in business, Domeier’s still ships in products from the same overseas contacts in Germany, Switzerland and Holland. Customers come to the store in droves because of the one-of-a-kind items for sale.

“It’s the opposite of Wal-mart,” one customer said, pointing to a weiner dog-shaped hat. “Where else are you going to find something like that. There is only one Domeier’s!”

Morris encouraged all visitors to New Ulm to stop in the shop, even if they don’t purchase anything. She said, “We just want you to visit.”

Domeier’s is open Thursday through Saturday from 10: 30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.