"Stockmann" department store to be launched on October 17
Although the State Cultural Monument Protection Inspection believes that only a part of the department store "Stockmann" building is ready for launching operations, the department store will open doors on October 17.
Although the State Cultural Monument Protection Inspection believes that only a part of the department store "Stockmann" building is ready for launching operations, the department store will open doors on October 17.
The department store's director Harri Saarto told reporters today that the company had received all necessary licenses to launch the store on October 17.
As reported, the Cultural Monument Protection Inspection earlier determined that "Stockmann" constructors had raised the height of the complex above the adjacent Riga Canal over three meters without coordinating the move. The "Stockmann" department store project, approved last fall, stipulates that the building will be constructed over the canal, but part of the complex over the canal would reduced, it would also include a rooftop garden and a pool. "Stockmann" representatives earlier explained that altering the project was necessary to install ventilation system.
According to Saarto, compromises are being sought so that the final result is good for both sides. He believes that the ventilation facilities (in a total area of 200 square meters) is a minor deviation from the project, besides, they cannot be seen from 13. janvara Street nor Riga's Old Town, only from the Riga Central Market.
According to Saarto, EUR 40 million have been invested into construction of the department store, the money is to be returned in four years. The building's fifth and sixth floors could be constructed in the coming two-three years.
Saarto believes that quality service and variety of products offered by the department store will help it successfully compete with other shopping centers in Riga.
"Stockmann's" total commercial area is 11,000 square meters. More than a half - 6,000 square meters - are occupied by clothes stores. The department store will also include one food store, as well as footwear, cosmetics, household equipment and other stores, as well as cafes and restaurants.
Construction of the department store was launched last July.
"Stockmann" is the biggest trade business in Finland. The company's turnover amounted to EUR 755 million last year. The department store in Riga will be already a ninth department store of "Stocmann", it already runs six in Finland, one in Estonia and one in Russia.
Kaspars Martinsons LETA
Copyright © LETA
The department store's director Harri Saarto told reporters today that the company had received all necessary licenses to launch the store on October 17.
As reported, the Cultural Monument Protection Inspection earlier determined that "Stockmann" constructors had raised the height of the complex above the adjacent Riga Canal over three meters without coordinating the move. The "Stockmann" department store project, approved last fall, stipulates that the building will be constructed over the canal, but part of the complex over the canal would reduced, it would also include a rooftop garden and a pool. "Stockmann" representatives earlier explained that altering the project was necessary to install ventilation system.
According to Saarto, compromises are being sought so that the final result is good for both sides. He believes that the ventilation facilities (in a total area of 200 square meters) is a minor deviation from the project, besides, they cannot be seen from 13. janvara Street nor Riga's Old Town, only from the Riga Central Market.
According to Saarto, EUR 40 million have been invested into construction of the department store, the money is to be returned in four years. The building's fifth and sixth floors could be constructed in the coming two-three years.
Saarto believes that quality service and variety of products offered by the department store will help it successfully compete with other shopping centers in Riga.
"Stockmann's" total commercial area is 11,000 square meters. More than a half - 6,000 square meters - are occupied by clothes stores. The department store will also include one food store, as well as footwear, cosmetics, household equipment and other stores, as well as cafes and restaurants.
Construction of the department store was launched last July.
"Stockmann" is the biggest trade business in Finland. The company's turnover amounted to EUR 755 million last year. The department store in Riga will be already a ninth department store of "Stocmann", it already runs six in Finland, one in Estonia and one in Russia.
Kaspars Martinsons LETA
Copyright © LETA
