Magnificently-created malls and department stores

[jw5]

Magnificently-created malls and department stores​

Shopping is a whole experience. It is not just about the goods you buy, but also about the aesthetics of the store itself. From the music they play to the color of their staircases, your surroundings often make or break your shopping experience.

 

[jw5]

Harrods​

At the center of Knightsbridge, London towers this great department store. It was built in 1849 and was originally a tea merchant shop. Nowadays, apart from selling luxury goods, it has a wonderful food hall.

 

[jw5]

Galeries Lafayette​

Galeries Lafayette is so much more than a department store–it is a national monument in its own right. This Paris building is in the Art Nouveau style and is crowned by an incredible stained-glass dome.

 

[jw5]

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II​

In the heart of Milan, Italy a street corner has been transformed into a large shopping mall. Built in the 19th century, its glass roof is a feat of engineering. It is also adorned with paintings on the facades of the shops.

 

[jw5]

Quartier 206​

The Art Deco style store opened in 1997 in Berlin. With funky ‘20s patterns on the walls and cascading staircases, it makes for a real touristic treat.

 

[jw5]

Detsky Mir​

There are not many of them around anymore, but Russia's Detsy Mir is one of the only department stores just for children. They can dive into their imaginations on a visit to this Soviet-era toy extravaganza. The direct translation is “Children’s World.”

 

[jw5]

Bergdorf Goodman​

If you find yourself in New York, there is little negotiation about which shop you should visit first. Although you may not buy anything because of its high prices, walking through Bergdorf Goodman is enough to satisfy any shopper’s material yearning.

 

[jw5]

Grieder Zurich​

Also called Bongénie Greider, so that the name applies in Swiss German and French, this chain is all over Switzerland. However, the store in Zurich is particularly eye-catching with its classical architecture and uber-luxury brands.

 

[jw5]

De Bijenkorf​

You can find “the beehive” right in the center of Amsterdam. It is in Dam Square, where you can also visit the Royal Palace. Pay special attention to the window details and classically Dutch architecture.

 

[jw5]

Waverly Mall​

Waverly Mall is a beautiful shopping center that lies right next to Edinburgh's main station. Located in the center of the Scottish capital, its roof is level with the street in order to preserve the view of Edinburgh Castle.

 

[gingerlyn]

I realise that Orchard is just a piece of scum after looking at your photos

 

[jw5]

Mitsukoshi​

Mitsukoshi is almost as old as the unification of Japan in 1590. The shop was founded in 1673 as a kimono business. The founder went from house to house to sell them, but realized he could do better if he set up a shop where people could come. Now it is the oldest and largest shop in Japan.

 

[jw5]

Illum​

On the more modern side of architecture, you will find the Danish department store Illum. It is pure Scandinavian style with lots of light, white walls, and satisfyingly placed elevators. Pop up to the fourth-floor restaurant to get some incredible views of Copenhagen.

 

[jw5]

Clerys​

The Irish department store dates way back to 1853. However, it was completely destroyed in 1916 with the Easter Uprising, where the Irish rebelled against British rule. It was entirely rebuilt in 1922, and they are still working to completely restore it.

 

[JustOneSingh]

 

[JustOneSingh]

 

[jw5]

Palladium​

In Prague, Czech Republic, they have renovated an old army barracks building to become a lovely-looking department store. While it has a classical facade, the inside is modern and well designed.

 

[jw5]

Shinsegae​

If you get overwhelmed in large stores, this is not the place for you. Guinness World Records has ordained this Busan, South Korea department store as the largest shop in the whole world. It contains 60 designer boutiques and 10 restaurants.

 

[jw5]

Fortnum & Mason​

Fortnum & Mason is a historic shop in London. It has been mentioned by Charles Dickens in his writings, brought baked beans to the nation, and invented the Scotch egg in 1738. It couldn’t get more iconic than this!

 

[NanoRay]

Mitsukoshi​

Mitsukoshi is almost as old as the unification of Japan in 1590. The shop was founded in 1673 as a kimono business. The founder went from house to house to sell them, but realized he could do better if he set up a shop where people could come. Now it is the oldest and largest shop in Japan.

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They have many in Taiwan - 星光三越