On 7 June, a huge fire destroyed the fifth and sixth floors of Mongolia’s most famous store, located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar. The rest of the building was filled with dense black smoke.

After the fire incident, 13 tonnes food worth MNT 162 million at the supermarket on the ground floor of the State Department Store were destroyed. However, other goods saved from the fire have been returned to the owners.

Currently, the Nomin Holdings, the Store owners are working to reconstruct the interiors of first and second floors in the building. The State Department Store is expected to partially open before Naadam Festival which to be held on 10-13 July.

The State Department Store established in 1921 as the Central Store, is conveniently located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar city. It is a landmark everyone in Mongolia knows and is a destination for many a tourist wishing to buy souvenirs. It is located on Peace Avenue just 10 minutes’ walk west of Sukhbaatar Square.