The four-storey complex in the north-east corner of the octagonal Leipziger Platz is now home to 270 stores, including Ralph Lauren, Falke, Liebeskind, Guess, Codello, Cos, Peek & Cloppenburg, Navyboot, Schuhcity and Schuh Bode. Costing an estimated investment of 1 billion euros, LP 12 Mall of Berlin not only fills a gaping hole in central Berlin’s cityscape, it is also consciously in keeping with glorious tradition. This spot marks the former home of the famous Wertheim department store, which used to be the city’s top shopping address until it was destroyed in the Second World War.
The pre-opening was not only attended by Berlin stars, including the current mayor, Klaus Wowereit, and Michael Müller, the Senator for urban development and the promotion of attractive architectural complexes, but also by many Berlin residents. The Berlin investor, Harald G. Huth, consciously avoided planning a conventional shopping centre. His aim was to join up Friedrichstrasse with Potsdamer Platz, in a bid to revitalise the “new, old centre of Berlin”, making it the heart of the city. The evening event was exciting, and included a review of the eventful past of the location, set to music that had been specially composed for the occasion. The entertainment also included fireworks, interviews with those who had known the Wertheim department store, and special offers and events in many of the boutiques.
