Vladivostok Shopping

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A most AMAZING department store.

Built some time in 1900 by German architect Junghendel, it is among our few Gothic architectural marvels. Have a thorough look at its facade decorated with monsters' faces from the German epic mythology, as well as... cupids!

It was originally owned by two Swiss entrepreneurs who came to trade in Vladivostok at the turn of XXc.

Now it is rather a museum than a shop. As there has not been any major refurbishment since 1970, it looks quite deplorable inside and crammed with useless random boutiques. But as its web page presents an awesome renovation project including the reconstruction of the interiors, the locals are waiting for a miracle.

So, the main activity is to roam around the building and spot what is left of those peculiar 100-year-old interiors - the staircases with the lamps, the lampstands resting on the lion's paws, the floor tiles, the full-length mirrors, and historic doors.

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What to buy: There are souvenir departments on the first floor, only these are of interest; and there are hordes of Asian tourists buying them out, as they like Russian amber at a reasonable price.

What to pay: From $10.00 for a Russian doll up to $1.000.00 and higher.

The prices in the souvenir department are ok, though there are places with slightly lower prices in the downtown area.

There is also Doushechka Cafe in there, it has got a Soviet touch and its prices are surprisingly reasonable.

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In case of this chopping center the building itself is of more interest than what in has got inside.

Built in 1880 by a local merchant as a hotel with a concert hall in burnt down in 1095 and was completely rebuilt. It subsequently housed a youth theater, a drama theater, a then became one of the first shopping centers in Vladivostok, and at that point its development got stuck.

What to buy: Here everything is ONLY for women: clothes, lingerie, shoes, jewelery, accessories and other stuff.

What to pay: Prices from moderate to hooked up.

This green-and-white historic building houses a good two-level bookstore "KnigoMir" that belongs to a huge bookstore chain.

What to buy: Anyone can choose something out of their 55.000 books.

Find some Vladivostok post cards on the first level. Do not miss the underground level - go downstairs to browse the English language section, it is not huge, but it will do if you suddenly feel like reading some English classics.

What to pay: Post card/Vladivostok guide prices are ok.
Book prices are unreasonable.

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Two adjacent shops:

Check Passazh Flower Arcade for flowers and stuffed toys.

Adjacent to it is the Green Bricks Store (Zelenie Kirpichiki), with nothing so very remarkable inside but Chinese and Turkish clothes and accessories. But the building is unique. Built in Chinese style it was originally owned by a Japanese gangster woman who turned it into a casino with all-you-know-what facilities to please its male clients lol

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So far the best shopping center with some ambiance.
Marble interiors, panoramic lifts and a glass dome add up to the pleasure of shopping.

Check out all levels, and when too exhausted drop into the cafe or a Japanese restaurant on the top level.

What to buy: Men's and Women's clothes, lingerie, shoes, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics and perfume.

There is an amazing Greek cosmetics boutique.

What to pay: Prices range from moderate to costly for European brands.

When you are walking by the Sportivnaya, you will see many ladies selling souvenirs. You will not that many varieties anywhere in the city. Bargain is a must in Russia.

What to buy: Magnets, keyolders, glass spheres.

What to pay: Around 100 - 150 ruble per item.

The shop in the photo is a supermarket on the ground floor and a household goods and appliances shop on the 1st. There is a complete stock of foods, daily necessities, and it was interesting to see the household appliance as well. Many seem to be imported from Europe. Also for tinned foods and health items, there are are locally manufactured as well as many imports from all over, specifically Korea and the US.

The spot from where this photo was taken is called Ignat. Here is a nice multi-storey modern shopping mall. There are many Chinese tour group buses which stop here, and we found that many shops here offered better quality souveniers. Here is one of the few places which accepted credit cards.

What to buy: Being a military port town almost all memorabilia in regards to the Russian Army and Navy can be bought all over town. It appears that some soldiers even sell their own uniform in exchange of some foreign money.

What to pay: Prices vary also depending on your negotiation skills