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"Galleria Riga" designs were drawn up in cooperation with the architectural firm of Poga, Sarma un Norde, the chief contractor for the construction of the building was Re&Re. The mall's interior design is by "Patollo" board members Petter Johnsen and Stein Gundersen. The project took almost ten years to implement, from the moment first property was bought at the site to host the new mall, writes LETA.

Johnsen said that at the moment there are 70 stores operating. Another 12 will open next week, plus 18 more in the week after next, and all 120 slots for stores in the new shopping mall are planned to be filled by the end of the year. Johnsen hopes that the concept, which was nonexistent in Latvia as well as the entire Europe until now, will also draw new customers.

Nordea Latvian branch's deputy head Janis Asaris said it was always a pleasure to work with a customer who knew exactly what he/she wishes to achieve. "Of course, there always are risks in any business, especially in the current economic circumstances, but construction during the crisis was justified because of the low costs, which is why we as financiers are very happy with how the project was implemented," said Asaris.

Re&Re CEO Ainars Paunins said that it had been a large-scale and technically complex project, wishing the new shopping mall to become a place with many satisfied customers at any time.

"Galleria Riga" Director Arnis Veisbardis said that with the opening of "Galleria Riga", customers would be invited to an opening festival continuing for ten days, featuring performances by popular musicians and artists.

"Galleria Riga" will be home to 170 stores and restaurants, of which 70% operate at this time. The mall represents many Italian, French and other European brands not found anywhere else in Latvia, for instance, "Piazza Italia", "Italiarredo", "Assos", "Diva", "Aury", "RCR", "Perspecive", "Liviana Conti", "Legende De Paris", "World of Luxury", "Deha", "Belle", "La Sca", "Irish Pub" and "Ciro Pomodoro".

"Galleria Riga" occupies seven stores, offering to customers not just goods and services but also recreational opportunities in a number of cafes and restaurants. A skating rink will also be opened near the mall in the near future.

"Galleria Riga's" total area is 41,000 square meters, it has an underground parking lot for 150 cars plus a parking lot for up to 50 cars on the intersection of Brivibas Street and Dzirnavu Street, opposite the mall.

"Galleria Riga" is furnished with marble floors, wood and brass finishings, fountains and elements of Art Noveau. The same principles were employed in construction of "Galleria Riga" as those in construction of the shopping mall "Galleriet" in Bergen, Norway.