With the Hochschule für Gestaltung (HfG), Offenbach has its ear very close to the pulse of classic and modern design.

For some time now, lovers of designer furniture have also been flocking to the city, because the internationally renowned Swiss furniture manufacturer Vitra from Weil am Rhein has opened one of its three Circle Stores in Frankfurt's neighboring city.

The other two are in Brussels and Amsterdam.

In an old chocolate warehouse (400 square meters plus warehouse), the blinds go up every Friday and Saturday.

There you can make your designer dreams come true, at somewhat lower prices than usual.

In its branch, Vitra sells samples, trade fair and exhibition pieces as well as discontinued models of the classics at discounts of between 15 and 30 percent, depending on the condition.

Lined up on a large wall shelf is the plastic cantilever chair by Verner Panton, all in pink (230 instead of 309 euros) or the company's much-copied classic and bestseller, the Eames Plastic Chair (for 435 instead of 580 euros).

The well-known chair is currently available in white, black or orange, with a wooden frame in black or maple yellow-brown, also as a closed version, the armchair.

Some chairs are unique pieces, which goes against the trend of placing completely different chairs around the dining table.

Visitors should inform themselves in advance about the variety of models on the Vitra website and be open to distinctive soloists.

Advantage: Forgeries excluded!

The epitome of a top-class evening relaxation seat is certainly the classic lounge chair with ottoman in black leather and wood by Charles and Ray Eames.

Sinking and feet up, a real dream!

In Offenbach it is available for 8066 instead of 9490 euros.

An Artek Tea Trolley by the Finnish architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto is also in the range, you can buy it for a little over 1800 euros (instead of 2600) and convert it into a modern home bar.

Design classics are also cheaper from private sellers on the Internet.

However, such offers carry the risk of counterfeiting.

The Circle Store has the advantage that the customer can be sure that he will always receive an original.

Vitra is showing around 300 pieces of furniture in Offenbach, as well as accessories such as vases, cushions and candlesticks.

The assortment changes every two months.

The retailer provides information on the Internet about what is currently in stock.

If you are looking for a specific Vitra piece, Hannah Peper, the friendly shop owner in Offenbach, will be happy to help.

Anyone who has found the property they are looking for while browsing the internet is better off going straight away, as online reservations are not possible.

There is parking in front of the door.

If the couch or dining table doesn't fit in the trunk, transport home can be ordered for a fee.

Vitra Circle, Benzstrasse 23, Offenbach;

Friday 12 noon to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;

www.frankfurt.vitracircle.com