The centre, which was unveiled to the press and guests on Wednesday evening, boasts a series of technological advances, and houses the country’s largest Primark store along with the region’s first Starbucks.
Speaking on the eve of Mar Shopping’s official opening, the centre’s general manager, Herman Gewert admitted: “Yes we are delayed, yes we are not fully ready, but yes, we are ready to open”.
A handful of stores remain closed as workers labour around the clock to have them open well before the festive season.
Mr Gewert added: “Tonight is not the end, it is the beginning of a long road”, explaining that the retail market has changed since plans to build the centre were first unveiled six years ago. But he said he hoped the venue would become a place for people to socialise and enjoy themselves, with a series of cultural events planned to assist with this objective.
“Today, we can safely say the Algarve has one of the best shopping centres in Europe”.
Following the opening of the centre on Thursday, many of its 110 stores and restaurants, such as Worten, are launching special promotions in the coming days to celebrate the 82,000 square metre centre’s inauguration.
The centre also boast a series of leisure activities for young and old, including a play centre for 3 to 12 year olds and relaxation areas for tired shoppers.
Mar Shopping came at a cost of 200 million euros and is sandwiched between the IKEA furniture store and a designer outlet, which is to open in December.