More products, discoveries and reasons for pride: highlights from the first day of the new Department Store at the National Centre RUSSIA
The grand opening of the second retail and exposition area of the flagship Department Store project at the National Centre RUSSIA on 22 September was an exciting and eventful occasion. Guests were treated to lectures, masterclasses, presentations, tastings, prize draws and a cultural programme. It goes without saying, one of the day's highlights was the unique products made by Russian manufacturers from different regions of the country.
The first customer was Inna Antipova, a mother of three from Moscow. For herself and her children, she chose one of the most recognisable symbols of the National Centre RUSSIA — a nevalyashka (roly-poly toy) with a bright orange pattern — as well as wooden horse figurines. The toys will now bring joy to the family, evoking memories of childhood, traditions and the National Centre RUSSIA.
"I was lucky enough to attend the grand opening of the Department Store today. To be honest, it was difficult to choose from the toys, but I really liked the nevalyashka. I also bought the horses for myself and my children — I have three of them. These toys remind me of childhood," Inna Antipova said.
The first guests were offered an unusual shopping experience — a real educational "tour around the country". Customers received craft "Traveller's Passports" featuring a map of Russia, which were stamped with stamps representing the regions where their purchases were made. After completing the interactive journey, guests could receive bonuses and gifts from the Department Store.
"It is a wonderful space! It is so nice to see such beautiful products that are traditionally made in our country. I think this is a wonderful initiative: it is very gratifying to feel proud of our country and our crafts. I wish the National Centre RUSSIA every success. May it continue to show the whole world that we are capable of creating beautiful things in every region of our vast country. And through all these wonderful products, fragrances and crafts, we ourselves can also discover more about our own country," said Inna Dobrosovestnaya, a customer from Tver.
Throughout the first day, the new space hosted educational lectures and masterclasses. Representatives of a sturgeon farm demonstrated how black caviar is used in skincare products. A perfume sommelier gave a lecture on Russian niche perfumery and the role of natural essential oils in signature fragrances. The founders of a natural artisan lollipop brand explained how handmade caramel is produced and why natural ingredients are particularly sought after today.
"The Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA is a place where the best brands, the best crafts and products from all over Russia are brought together. That is why it is so important and valuable for us to be a partner of this wonderful space. Through our products, we introduce people to the taste of natural caramel — the taste of childhood. We also have unique signature DIY sets that allow children to make caramel themselves — natural caramel, which is particularly important — and then give it as a gift or enjoy it themselves. In other words, our products are completely safe and bring nothing but the joy of creativity and the joy of taste," said Galina Grineva.
The new Department Store space is located in the Western Foyer of the National Centre RUSSIA. It features products from Russian manufacturers from different regions, including Dulevo porcelain, items decorated with Khokhloma, Gzhel and Zhostovo painting, Yelets lace, natural cosmetics and healthy sweets — products that cannot be found in ordinary shops. A special place is occupied by a collection of clothing and accessories featuring quotes by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Visitors can discover the diversity of Russian products and crafts at the Department Store RUSSIA spaces in the Western Foyer and on the second floor of the National Centre RUSSIA from 10:00 to 20:00, Tuesday to Sunday.
