Croatia’s First Shopping Centre Turns 20

Back in 1994 Croatia’s first shopping mall opened in the capital Zagreb with a performance from the city’s famous majorettes. The girls were back again performing there this week to celebrate Importanne Centar’s 20th birthday…

As well as the Zagreb majorettes, the city’s Mayor Milan Bandic, as well as a number of other guests, joined in on the birthday celebrations.

“Back in 1994, when Importanne Centar opened, there were not many who were prepared to make such a significant investment. Nevertheless, Zagreb, as a modern capital, was lacking a real shopping centre, a place where locals could find a wealth of things which could meet their daily needs. Today, 20 years later, we are proud that we were the first and we have become an urban city symbol which is frequently visited by all generations of citizens,” said Importanne Centar director Vesna Marijan.

Located on Starčević Square, between the main railway station and “Esplanade” hotel, the first foundation of the 31.000 square metre centre was laid on 18 June 1993.