It is a great honor and privilege to stage the first Department Store Focus at the GUM - one of the most elegant and prestigious venues in the world. The conference will be held at the well-known Demonstration Hall, which was built at a time when native cinema was just emerging. The Hall was recently reconstructed and the social events and meetings of high society now take place within its beautifully-restored interiors.

 

With a facade extending 242 meters along the eastern side of Red Square, GUM has been since its creation between 1890 and 1893 an essential actor of the Russian merchant activity, with the exception of the period 1917-1953 during which GUM was hosting government departments. Since its rebirth in 1953, GUM has been a prime shopping destination in Moscow and offers today on 80,000 square meters a selection of 200 stores and restaurants presenting one of the most complete and exclusive assortment in the world.