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| Turkey's Award Winning Shopping Center |
 Shopping
centers in cities in the U.S. are constructed with a specific shop
mix goal in mind. There are approximately 40,000 shopping centers in
the
U.S., and these are experiencing a major recession. As this sector is
newly
developing in Turkey, it is expected to make a significant impact to
the
changing lifestyle and shopping practices here. The lifestyle of people
living in big cities is becoming more and more a race with time, giving
rise
to many new ideas and high standards.
In 1995, AKMERKEZ
was selected as the best shopping center in Europe by the
International Shopping Council, ICSC. In the competition, organized
by this same council, AKMERKEZ was recognized as the best shopping center
in the world in 1996. It also received the highest accolade given by
the ICSC, the International Design and Development Award.
 AKMERKEZ
is the only shopping center in the world to receive both of these
awards. It was built and commissioned on December 18, 1993 by the joint
venture of the AKKOK, TEKFEN and ISTIKBAL groups. The aim of this
four-storied shopping center is to provide a cleaner, safer and more
comfortable environment for visitors with its year-round air
conditioning/heating equipment, fire detection, warning and suppression
systems, music broadcasting system, modern security systems and impeccable
building automation services. The AKMERKEZ complex is established on
180,000
square meters and is comprised of a four-storey shopping area, with
two
towers offering 14 and 17 stories of office space, and 24 stories of
residential areas. The shopping area is spread over a triangular area
connected to the surrounding main roads through 3 atriums. There are
41
escalators, 2 panoramic elevators and 30 elevators providing greater
speed
and easy access for visitors.
 AKMERKEZ
is open every day of the week between 10:00 - 22:00 and is visited
by 2 - 2.5 million people every month. The cleaning, security and general
maintenance is provided by a cleaning workforce of 110, a security force
of
80 and a technical managerial team of 60.
AKMERKEZ provides
a wide range of products to its visitors and has topped
the world average of 85% occupancy with a leasing ratio of 98%. The
types of
shops are determined by the "shop mix" method employed elsewhere
around the
world. AKMERKEZ provides outstanding women's, men's and children's clothing
and textiles, stationery, toys, sports shoes, eyewear and gift shops
along
with restaurants, a hairdresser, currency exchange office, electronic
goods,
car maintenance, shoe shine services, tailor, travel agents, orthopedic
goods and a supermarket for all the shopper's needs. Transportation
services
are provided free of charge for tourists staying nearby business centers
and
hotels, allowing for a greater variety of visitors. Visitors in AKMERKEZ
spend an average of 3.5 hours in this shopping center; the world average
is
2.5 hours.
 AKMERKEZ
is now the home to the world famous Italian restaurant Paper Moon,
following branches in Milan and New York. This chic restaurant was
originally founded 20 years ago in Milan by Enrica and Pio Rossi.
The goal of AKMERKEZ
is to provide for the different needs of visitors in a
modern, pleasant atmosphere. The various social and cultural activities
organized by AKMERKEZ make this more than just a shopping center; it's
part
of a lifestyle.
THE
AKMERKEZ COURTESY CARD
AKMERKEZ extends
a special service to its foreign guests: The
Courtesy Card.
With this card, you will be entitled to various discounts of up to 20%
in
different shops in AKMERKEZ. In order to obtain the AKMERKEZ Courtesy
Card,
all you have to do is apply at the information desk located at the main
entrance and present your passport. Your card will be prepared right
away
and you will be able to benefit from all the services offered with this
card
in the shops with the "AKMERKEZ Courtesy
Card Sign".
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