Filled with lunar curves and a light, bright atmosphere the shopping mall side to Manufaktura brings a new angle to the otherwise red brick architecture. Over 9,000 m2 of wooded flooring has been laid, and the mall has been split into four themes – industrial, cinema, design and textile – so as to make navigation easier. Those arriving with their kids in tow should consider dispatching them to the crèche found just off the Rynek, close to the Bella Napoli restaurant.
Flagship stores include Leroy Merlin as well as a vast range of brand name clothing stores like Hugo Boss, Hilfiger, H&M, Timberland and a newly launched Adidas superstore complete with a new range of clothing designed in collaboration with scooter heroes Vespa. In total 306 retail units are occupied with other tenants including the Smyk toy store, EMPiK and EURO RTV AGD. It’s not just mega-brand stores though that are drawing processions of spenders, but a top selection of specialist stores that you’ll be lucky to find elsewhere, let alone under one roof. If you’re not ready to put your trust in Lódz’s restaurateurs then by all means, see if you can do better yourself. Your first point of call should be either Kuchnie Świata (first floor) or Toscana, right next door. In the former find a collection of hard-to-find goodies that range from Israeli fruit drinks to Marmite to a range of sauces from across the world. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in choice. Toscana is a similarly upmarket delicatessen, this one selling produce straight from Italy. Even more impressive mind is the Alma supermarket, a haven that features peso sauces imported from Liguria, hams courtesy of Krakowski Kredens, countless European cheeses and over 200 global coffee brands.
After, why not hit Old Havana for your post-dinner cigar. Complete with a walk-in humidor chamber this is just the place for aficionados to test cigars imported from Cuba. Other stores to watch for include the Body Shop, which features a range of eco-friendly soaps, as well as a new Apple iSpot store for all your Mac needs.
Outside the main range of shops don’t forego a visit to the craftsman’s alley between the Rynek and the mall; it’s here you’ll find all manner of stores including a cobblers, as well as privately run stores specializing in everything from metalwork to traditional rural-style souvenirs. And the arrival of three new Magda Gessler-backed restaurants is a sure sign that Manufaktura has arrived; her Polka, Marcello and MG Eat will all vie for your attention and appetite. For a full map of the shopping centre or further info don’t be afraid to approach the English-speaking staff manning the information point at the main entrance.