If you have to consider the shops of the capital, first of all, the State Department Store (GUM) comes to mind. Today, you can buy almost everything from children's toys to food. What is GUM? This is not just a shopping complex, but a real attraction of Moscow. Guests of the capital will certainly strive to visit it and buy something for memory.
Historical information
Today, every Muscovite and many residents of other cities know what GUM is. The city department store today is a large shopping complex, which presents a huge assortment of goods. He has a long history.
So, until 1923 it was a shopping arcade in the center of the capital, which occupied a whole block. Their main facade was already overlooking the central square of the city. Shopping malls were built in the form of a passage, which were so popular at that time in European countries. These were street stalls under a transparent roof.
At the end of the 19th century, the authorities decided to open the State Department Store (GUM) on the site of the malls. And its construction began in 1888. In 1923, a new trading establishment began to function. In the postwar years, the store was endangered. The building was getting ready for demolition. And if this happened, modern youth would not be familiar with the decoding of the word "GUM". However, they did not begin to demolish it. The building was restored, and in 1953 it began to function again.
So what is GUM? This abbreviation reads like a state department store, but few people know that GUM in fact since 1990 is no longer state, but private property. The store was privatized, but despite this, the original name has been preserved. Many, by the way, still know his older name - “Upper Rows”.
Shops for adults
The GUM shopping complex, the abbreviation of which is known to almost every resident of the Russian Federation, is, in fact, one of the symbols of Moscow. And everyone knows that in this department store you can almost completely update your wardrobe. Representatives of the world's most sought-after clothing brands work here. Sales are held regularly, allowing you to purchase a quality item at a reduced price.
The most visited women's clothing store today is Marella. The brand focuses on elegant business women. An individual image can be created thanks to the excellent work of Italian designers. Marella clothes cannot be called cheap. However, there are always enough shoppers in the store.
If we consider youth stores, Levi's remains the most sought after. This is a high-quality jeanswear for all occasions for men and women. You can also buy bright shirts, outerwear, dresses and accessories here. This outlet is famous for GUM. You can see the photo of the store in the article.
No One is another popular store with a wide range of shoes for men and women, as well as accessories made of genuine leather. In addition, here you can buy umbrellas, ties and glasses at affordable prices.
"Children's GUM"
GUM is a truly one-stop shop. Therefore, the guide does not forget about the assortment for the youngest visitors. "Children's GUM" is a huge selection of clothes for children from 0 to 15 years old, many toys for boys and girls. The store is located in a cozy place, in one of the small buildings of the GUM. It was opened only in 2012. However, in a short time he managed to gain popularity among kids and their parents.
"Children's GUM" is a whole world of branded clothing and footwear, accessories, furniture, toys, stationery. Here you can find everything for a happy life of a child.
In addition, there are children's cafes. You can reserve a room for the celebration. Workshops on making toys, drawing, embroidering, etc. are regularly held.
Grocery Store №1
What else is famous for GUM, the decoding of the name of which is familiar to many? This truly versatile store offers not only quality clothing, shoes and accessories, but also fresh food. Only high-quality products can be purchased at the country's main grocery store. The pastry department offers fresh pastries, cakes and pastries for every taste. A suitable option will be able to find and those who adhere to a diet.
GUM is also famous for its winery. Here is the largest assortment of quality wines in Moscow. There are drinks from world manufacturers. The atmosphere in the winery is strictly monitored, the temperature is maintained, thanks to which the drinks retain their taste for a long time.
Cooking also works in the grocery store. This department is especially popular among people who do not have a lot of time. Here you can always buy fresh Kiev cutlets, fried fish, delicious salads and much more.
Cafes and restaurants
Long shopping trips are always tiring. Moreover, it will take a lot of time to go around the entire GUM. The abbreviation of the shopping complex in this case fully justifies itself - it is a universal place where you can not only purchase all the necessary goods, but also take a break from tiresome shopping. Numerous restaurants and cafes offer their services.
Those who want downtime for an inexpensive meal should visit the Canteen 57. Here visitors can plunge into the atmosphere of the Soviet era. We offer dishes familiar from childhood - cottage cheese casserole, dried fruit compote, dumplings, red borsch, herring under a fur coat and much more.
A short break for a cup of coffee can be made at the Cafeteria at the Fountain. Here is a large assortment of cakes and pastries. You can treat yourself to delicious homemade ice cream.
In GUM there are restaurants with Italian, Chinese, Ukrainian cuisine. Everyone can order pizza, sushi, seafood salad or traditional Ukrainian dumplings for lunch .
Cinema hall
Long shopping trips usually do not please the stronger sex. In this case, the man can be sent to watch an interesting film while the woman enjoys shopping at her pleasure.
The GUM cinema is a huge hall with comfortable armchairs. Films from various categories are shown here. There is a separate room for children, in which kids can see cartoons. Every two hours a new session begins. Tickets are always available.
An interesting fact is that the cinema hall completely preserved the architecture of the main department store. On the walls there is stucco molding - a classic theatrical decor. The hall has large windows that overlook the main street of the country. During screenings, they are covered with multilayer velvet curtains.
Showroom
What is GUM? It is also an ideal venue for various social events. For this purpose, there is a demonstration hall, which is rented for presentations, fashion shows and other events important for the country. The total area of the hall is 365 square meters. The vibrant atmosphere here is created by lighting fixtures and original architecture.
After restoration in 1953, the hall began to be used for fashion shows. The stores that worked within the walls of the GUM presented their collections. Anyone could enter the showroom. An entrance ticket then cost 50 cents.
Today, shows are not held so often. The showroom is more used for concerts, demonstrations and conferences.
Privilege system
Like any other store, GUM has its own discount system. Having received a discount card, everyone can significantly save on purchases. Initially, visitors are issued a burgundy card. To get it, you must make a purchase at any point of sale participating in the loyalty program. The card is not registered and may be transferred to third parties.
When making purchases in GUM stores for a total amount of 120 thousand rubles, a silver card is issued to the visitor, which allows receiving discounts of up to 10%. If you accumulate the total amount of purchases per million rubles, you can get a gold card, discounts on which in some stores exceed 25%. Gold and silver cards are personalized. Transferring them for use by other people is no longer possible. In case of violations, the GUM management reserves the right to withdraw the card.
How to get there
Where is the main store of the country, every metropolitan knows. Visitors should know the exact address. GUM is located right on Red Square (Building 3). You can get here from metro stations : "Ploshchad Revolyutsii", "Okhotny Ryad", "Teatralnaya".
There is a parking near the shopping complex, daily from 8:00 to 23:00. Cost - 250 rubles per hour. For people who especially value their time, jack parking services are offered. All you need to do is give the keys to the manager at the entrance to the store, and call before the exit, and the car will wait at the main entrance.
So what is GUM (Moscow)? The decoding of the name of this shopping complex is fully justified. This is a truly universal state-owned store. Moscow guests should definitely come here to enjoy their holidays in cozy cafes, admire the original architecture, and buy souvenirs for relatives and friends.