Russian mall shutdown sparks uproar and confusion
Yekaterinburg’s largest shopping mall was suddenly closed on June 27th. Greenwich, which stands proud in the city centre, is Yekaterinburg’s answer to Moscow’s Okhotny Ryad or Afi Mall. Opened in 2004, Greenwich has routinely been listed as one of Russia’s best shopping malls and entertainment facilities. Why, then, was it shut down so suddenly without so much as a whisper from commentators crying wolf?
September 26, 2025 -
James C. Pearce
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Issue 5 2025MagazineStories and ideas
Yekaterinburg’s Greenwich shopping centre has over 300 stores, boasting over one million visitors a month and up to 18 million a year. Photo: Фальшивомонетчик (CC) commons.wikimedia.org

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