What: Prague is going to witness the reopening of MAJ department store after 2 years of closure and refurbishing.

Why it is important: even though the department store format is seen as having difficulties, cities are still keen to have their unit in order to boost traffic, sense of belonging and identity.

Here is a concise summary of the text about the reopening of Prague's iconic Máj department store:

Prague's Máj department store is set to reopen in June 2024 after a major two-year reconstruction project. The renovated building will have nine floors spanning over 17,000 square meters, offering a diverse mix of shopping, dining, cultural, and entertainment options.

Key highlights of the revamped Máj include:

• A new Tesco store on the first underground level
• Restaurants, cafes, shops, and services on the first two floors
• A large food hall with 750 seats and popular fast food brands
• Upper floors dedicated to entertainment, culture, and education
• A top-floor restaurant with panoramic views of Prague.

The building's facade was supposed to feature an art installation by David Černý, but he recently denied involvement. Máj has been owned by AMADEUS Real Estate since 2019 and is a designated cultural monument. The CZK 4 billion reconstruction project, carried out by Metrostav, began in July 2022.

Prague’s Iconic Máj Department Store Set for Grand Reopening in June