Remember the days when shopping was more than just a transaction? Today we are standing in front of Sugár Üzletközpont. It is one of Budapest’s iconic shopping centers. Sugár Üzletközpont is not just a place to shop. It is a landmark that has shaped the city’s culture.
Sugár Üzletközpont opened its doors on November 7 1980. It was Hungary’s first shopping center. Unlike the department stores of the time Sugár had a different design. Its shops and services were arranged around a central indoor space. This innovative layout helped Sugár remain competitive even today.
The history of this area goes back to the socialist urban development of the 1960s. It was then that the decision was made to expand the Kerepesi Road housing estate. The new development would include a city center function. The metro line was extended to reach Örs vezér tere.
A design competition was held for the site. BUVÁTI won the competition. László Iványi Balázs Kovács and Attila Zádori were the architects. Construction began in 1975. It faced delays due to soil issues. Finally in the fall of 1980 the building was completed.
In its heyday Sugár was considered a luxurious destination. Its only rival was the Skála-Coop chain of department stores. János Kádár the party secretary visited the new department store in 1981.
The interior design featured dark brown and eggplant purple colors. These colors were complemented by dark yellow pietra cladding. The public saw a unique skylight. Natural light flooded the central space. Shoppers could use tiled stairs or escalators. On the ground floor a fountain a Japanese garden and raised flower beds created a relaxing atmosphere. Air conditioning ensured comfort.
Many major retailers had stores in Sugár. These included Javszer Röltex and Patyolat. There was also Ezermester and Barkácsbolt. Keravill Vasedény Szivárvány Aranypók and Ofotért were also present. Sportszer- és Játékbolt Háztartási- és Illatszerbolt Óra-Ékszer IBUSZ and a post office all had locations here. Beauty salons barbershops bookstores and shoe repair shops added to the variety.
The ground floor Csemege supermarket was a major attraction. For years it was the country’s largest and best-stocked food store. It offered a vast selection of goods.
Keravill had a unique loading system. Deliveries could be made to a vestibule. Goods could then be moved to the sales area. This ensured smooth operations. The TV department featured a video recorder. This allowed programming to be shown on days without broadcasts. The record department had cash registers that could track sales item by item.
Sugár introduced advance orders and home delivery in Budapest. A large free parking lot awaited visitors arriving by car. Ramps provided access for those with strollers or wheelchairs. A pedestrian bridge connected Sugár to the Kőbánya side. This allowed access from the housing estate and bus terminals.
The forum around Sugár hosted festive fairs and book events. Craft and folk art vendors attracted many visitors. Outdoor stages featured performances by famous artists. Indoor events called “SUGÁR ALBUM” featured actors and writers.
Sugár’s opening hours were innovative. Shops stayed open until 8 PM on weekdays. The supermarket was open until 9 PM. Weekend hours were also introduced. On Saturdays and Sundays the shops closed at 5 PM.
Liener Márta was the face of Sugár. The slogan “JUST A JUMP TO SUGÁR” highlighted its accessibility. The shopping center was easily reachable from anywhere.
After the political changes Sugár remained largely unchanged. Its retro atmosphere was noticeable by 1990. The opening of Árkád in 2002 created competition. The Fotex Group renovated Sugár from 2004 to 2007. The building’s facade was modernized. The interiors were updated. A new vaulted skylight with motorized windows was installed. This improved lighting and ventilation. Mechanical systems were modernized. New escalators and a large elevator were added. A cinema and exhibition space were created on the second floor. Shops and restaurants replaced former offices. The basement was converted into a parking garage. The shopping center’s area increased to over 35000 square meters. The pedestrian bridge now connects Sugár and Árkád.
In conclusion Sugár Üzletközpont is more than just a shopping center. It is a symbol of Budapest’s history and culture. It has adapted and evolved to remain a vital part of the city.