Bulgaria's largest and newest shopping center, know simply as "The Mall", will open to the public on April 21.

The Mall logo has been unveiled on Friday, in a pre-opening media event. According to the project developers, it symbolizes the variety of places for shopping and entertainment that the trade centre offers.

The Mall is situated in downtown Sofia, on Tzarigradsko Shousse Boulevard. Its 66 000 sq m area will host 185 leading Bulgarian and international brand names, the first Carrefour supermarket in Bulgaria, entertainment and eating zones, and a multiplex cinema. Parking for 2 800 cars will be provided.

The catchment area of the shopping mall is one million people.

"The objective is to deliver to the public an entirely new concept which through its scale, tenant mix, entertainment facilities and accessibility offers a unique lifestyle experience.

"The Mall will be the destination of choice for thousands of people when considering where to do their shopping, have a fun time out of the house, have dinner or simply watch a movie," said Alexander Papageorgiou, CEO of Assos Capital, the real estate private equity firm involved in the retail project.

"In Carrefour we are extremely happy that we are opening our first hypermarket in Sofia in The Mall. We believe that the synergy between the Carrefour brand, the key location of the trade centre and the excellent mix of tenants, will contribute to the success of The Mall," said Laurent Bendavid, executive director of Carrefour Bulgaria.

The Carrefour Group is the biggest retailer in Europe, and the second largest worldwide, with more than 15 000 stores in 32 countries and more than 490 000 employees.

The retail project includes Carrefour as the developer; Assos Capital is the chief investor. The architect of the complex is Ilian Iliev. Exclusive leasing consultant and property manager of the shopping centre is Colliers International, Bulgaria has the role of leasing consultant and property manager of the shopping centre.