House of Leningrad Trade (DLT) - the largest department store in St. Petersburg

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The popularity and fame of this unique department store has spread much further than the northern capital. This is the largest store in St. Petersburg, and the architectural heritage of the twentieth century.

History of DLT

The monumental glass building in the very heart of St. Petersburg is known to many as a luxury store, but at the beginning of its existence, everything was different. The history of the House of Leningrad Trade is very interesting. At the time when the construction of the department store was underway, it was understood that trade would be organized in this building exclusively for persons serving in the guards garrison.

Start, opening, department store features

A site formerly owned by Artemy Volynsky, a Russian diplomat, was chosen. It was planned to build platforms for trade, an apartment building and a residential building. To bring the plans to life, an international competition of projects for the building of the department store of the Guards Society was announced. In 1907, following the results of the competition, the candidacy of the Russianarchitect Ernest Wirrich.

The huge department store was built in eight months, and on December 7, 1909, the official opening took place. The new store was called the "Trading House of the Guards Economic Society", since the construction was carried out thanks to the monetary contributions of the officers of the guard. The prehistory of this construction is that in those years, private tailors sewed all service uniforms for Russian officers. This caused some difficulties due to numerous fittings and frequent delays in the execution of work. In addition, private tailoring was very expensive. The officers decided that it was necessary to do something about this state of affairs and look for a way out of the current situation. It was decided to create an association of like-minded people, raise funds and build a store for their own needs. Everything worked out as planned. With the opening of a new trading establishment, officers were able to get their uniforms in one trip to the store. This was new for the time.

The result of the construction made a splash. The building looked ultra-modern, since the use of reinforced concrete structures in architecture had not yet been practiced. The façade featured elements such as cast iron wreaths, pilasters, pediments, and atriums added additional lighting inside. Visitors were greeted by exquisitely dressed staff. For convenience, it was possible to use electric elevators. By 1912, the department store had increased by adding a nearby building, and DLT received its modern name in the 30s.years.

War and post-war times

During the Great Patriotic War, the store continued to operate. Its employees lived here, in the House of Leningrad Trade. DLT in the post-war period was not much different from other trading establishments. Unfortunately, here one could see both queues and the release of goods on cards. The only difference from other similar establishments was the magic that DLT gave its visitors for the New Year holidays. Here you could see the chic design of the store space, elegant fir trees, bazaars, amazing toys in the children's section. Many people came just to look at all this splendor, since the cost of goods for most buyers was very high. Now the generation born in the 80s recalls with warmth and nostalgia the House of Leningrad Trade on Bolshaya Konyushennaya, its unique atmosphere that was present at that time.

DLT these days

As time went by, the department store needed an update. In 2005, a large-scale reconstruction began. Since the same year, the department store has been owned by Mercury, a leader in services in the luxury segment. In September 2012, the updated giant opened its doors to visitors again. The former House of Leningrad Trade now resembles, perhaps, only vintage stairs, lamps and railings made using the forging technique, and a glass ceiling - a dome.

Shop interior design

More than seven hundred different names of world famous brands can be found on 6 floors of DLT with a total area of 32,000 square meters. There is a separate floor for each category of goods. For example, the first floor is reserved for various jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, accessories and other things. It also houses a restaurant with a very original menu. For women's, men's luxury clothing - the second and third floors, and the fourth is represented exclusively by designer clothes. Many famous people visit here. Not so long ago, the opening of the fifth floor for the children's assortment, as well as the play area, took place. Therefore, in the House of Leningrad Trade, located at Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street, 21-23A, you will be able to find everything you can imagine. Sophisticated buyers with the most extraordinary requests will surely pick up something here for themselves and their friends.

For internet users

DLT St. Petersburg keeps pace with the times and provides an opportunity to use the website and online order for its guests and customers. The site contains all the necessary information in detail and clearly. Here you can find out about the brands presented in the department store, clarify information on loy alty cards and gift certificates, get acquainted with the news, ongoing promotions, festive events, inquire about upcoming events and read thematic articles.

For young visitors

Separately, it is necessary to dwell on the proposals of DLT St.children's segment. In addition to clothes, toys, various accessories for kids, here you can plunge into a real fairy tale. This is especially felt during the pre-New Year fuss. During this period, you definitely need to visit this amazing store with your children! Various master classes are regularly held in the play area, and "family weekends" are organized under the strict guidance of experienced animators.

But a special magic happens just before the New Year. A delightfully decorated shop invites you to visit the themed Christmas tree. You can get to a children's theatrical performance, learn in a workshop for creating Christmas decorations and New Year's cards, and most importantly, receive gifts from DLT. These impressions are guaranteed to be enough for the whole next year for both children and their parents!

Useful information

The House of Leningrad Trade is located in the central part of the city, not far from Nevsky Prospekt. His address, as mentioned: Bolshaya Konyushennaya street, 21-23.

You can enjoy the grandeur and luxurious boutiques of the department store by visiting the House of Leningrad Trade, which is open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week and holidays.

DLT is always glad to see its guests

Shopping sometimes turns out to be a very difficult task. Where to go? What shops to visit? Which retail outlets combine the widest coverage of brands, services, entertainment? What to show, where to go with guests? If the time inthere is not much stock, the task becomes even more complicated. The House of Leningrad Trade helps to cope with such difficulties, since you can find any necessary goods on its premises.

Central department store welcomes all its visitors. Its opening hours are very convenient, this is confirmed by both the guests of the city and the residents of St. Petersburg, who can easily look here at the end of the working day. Since the store has no days off, you can schedule a visit to it at any convenient time.

The department store will be especially appreciated by those who closely follow the latest trends in fashion and always try to be dressed "to the point". Style, elegance, new design solutions DLT always offers on time and in full. Here you can find everything at once, without spending extra time visiting other stores. And constantly ongoing promotions will help you buy your favorite products much more profitable. After enjoying shopping, you can relax with the children in the play area or go for a bite to eat at a restaurant.

It is important to note that the convenient location of the department store makes it possible to combine shopping with visiting other historical places of the city, of which there are quite a few nearby. The Hermitage, Kazan Cathedral, Church of the Savior on Blood, Admir alty, Palace Square and some other attractions are within walking distance from DLT. So it will turn out to combine the useful with the pleasant.

The House of Leningrad Trade, whose address is given in the article, is waiting for its visitors! Having visited this wonderful department store once, you will definitely want to come herereturn.