Send us a textIn December 1989 US department stores expanded their pre-Christmas offer by a very attractive item for late or for undecided Christmas-present buyers.It was small yet profound - filled with more deep meaning than it modest size or weight could suggest. It was well-known to and caused a certain frisson among all Americans, yet it came straight from Europe. It was being sold in the US stores, yet back at home it was - in fact - still standing.This is the story of the most concrete trade in human history: that with the Berliner Mauer.Support the showRead fascinating stories from Berlin's past and present, and listen to all the episodes from Season 1 and 2 of the podcast on Substack: theberlincompanion.com Enjoy Berlin audio-tours created by yours truly: download Berlin Companion Audio-Walks App (free access code for all annual Substack blog supporters).You can also find me at:Bluesky: @berlincompanion.bsky.social Twitter: @kreuzbergedInstagram: The Berlin CompanionThreads: theberlincompanionAnd if you would like to become a regular subscriber to this show and help me spend more time digging in my vast archives, chasing new stories and turning these into shiny new episodes - support the podcast by buying me a coffee or by subscribing to Berlin Companion at Substack (both links below):Buy Me a Coffee (or a Beer)Berlin Companion at SubstackMusic for the show by ...