Key analyst insight (Finspot): The highest turnover in the country belongs to the City Mall chain. This giant accounts for 41% of the total revenue of the country’s five largest shopping centers!
1. City Mall (Tbilisi “Saburtalo,” “Gldani”)
Absolute leader in revenue
Location: Tbilisi (two locations) + plans for Batumi and Kutaisi.
If you ask a local where to hang out for half a day, they’ll say “City Mall.” This is not just a store but an entire network covering different districts. The flagship, City Mall Saburtalo, breaks attendance records. Beyond the standard set of Zara, Bershka, and H&M, it features a giant Carrefour hypermarket, a budget-friendly food court, and huge kids’ play areas.
Interesting fact: The company has announced expansion into Batumi and Kutaisi within the next couple of years.
Vibe: Clean, air-conditioned (a lifesaver in Tbilisi’s heat), and safe.
Tip: Visit before noon; by evening, it’s packed.
2. Tbilisi Mall (Tbilisi)
A paradise for international brands
Location: Tbilisi, David Agmashenebeli Highway (towards Mtskheta and Batumi).
Often called the largest by area. Features Inditex brands (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius), LC Waikiki, and sports goods. A major plus: a huge children’s section.
Practicality: Located on flat terrain with convenient underground parking. Carrefour inside is perfect for buying Georgian cheese and chacha before departure.
Note: Some tourists find prices at Guess or Tommy Hilfiger higher than in Europe, but seasonal sales (up to 70% off) offer great deals.
3. Galleria Tbilisi (Tbilisi)
The heart of the capital and fashion
Location: Heart of Tbilisi, 2/4 Shota Rustaveli Ave.
A premium, stylish mall. Fewer families, more youth and tourists. Features brands from Mango to Guess, cosmetics, jewelry, and top coffee shops.
Why “Galleria”: The architecture creates a sense of space with natural light. Financially, it has the lowest utility costs among competitors (only 3% of revenue – four times cheaper than Tbilisi Mall), thanks to modern energy efficiency.
After shopping: Step directly onto Rustaveli Avenue for theaters, parliament, and top restaurants.
4. East Point (Tbilisi)
Sports, leisure, and a skate park
Location: Tbilisi, on the highway toward the airport.
A leisure cluster for families and active youth. Unique features include an ice skating rink, cyber sports zones, and a modern cinema.
Food: Renowned for its cozy food court with Georgian, Asian, and European cuisine.
Verdict: Ideal for teenagers or combining shopping with active leisure.
5. Grand Mall (Batumi)
The seaside gem and main rival to the capital
Location: Batumi, 29 Sherif Khimshiashvili St. (steps from the beach, near Orbi residences).
Opened in late 2023 – a €20 million investment with 35% reduced energy consumption. This lifestyle center (24,000+ m²) proves that seaside shopping can rival Tbilisi.
Why a gem: Location! Walk from your hotel to Zara, Mango, Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein.
Architectural highlight: Panoramic windows. Take the elevator to the 4th-floor food court for sea views while eating a burger.
Entertainment: Grand Cinema (films with Russian subtitles), bowling, kids’ zone, fitness center.
Food court stars: McDonald’s, KFC, Wendy’s, Big Chef (good kebabs with window seats), and Adjarian House (authentic Adjarian khachapuri).
Parking: Underground parking (reports vary from 150–500 spaces – a rarity in Batumi).
Local hack: Extra discounts on Wednesdays.
Note: Small supermarket inside; for big grocery runs, visit the large Carrefour near the stadium.
Verdict: Don’t drive to Tbilisi for Zara if you’re in Batumi. Grand Mall is an absolute hit.
Summary
City Mall (Tbilisi) – Revenue flagship (41% market share).
Tbilisi Mall (Tbilisi) – Big-box shopping.
Galleria Tbilisi (Tbilisi) – Premium downtown.
East Point (Tbilisi) – Giant near the airport.
Grand Mall (Batumi) – Newest and main mall by the sea.
Life hack for the seaside: If you’re renting an apartment in New Boulevard (Orbi / Sherif Khimshiashvili area), Grand Mall will be your second home. Beach access, cinema, restaurants, shops, and powerful A/C to escape the Adjarian heat – all within walking distance.
