You’ll spot Heikintori by its big, bold red sign and glass front, nestled behind a small play area with colorful animal-shaped seats-just look for the lively crowd and a bit of old-school charm!
Welcome to Heikintori, the shopping center with a big past and, well, a few hairs out of place these days! Picture yourself back in 1968, bell-bottoms swishing, as Heikintori proudly opened as Finland’s second-oldest shopping center-where the scent of fresh clothes and electronics was as thick as the hairspray in the air and laughter echoed from shoppers exploring brand-new stores. For years, it bustled with the likes of KappAhl, Aleksi 13, Andiamo, and a legendary barber shop to tame even the wildest Finnish winter hair! Forty-six shops, 258 perfectly covered parking spots, and enough hungry customers nearby to keep any bakery baking overtime. They say 187,000 people live within Heikintori’s orbit-almost as many as the euros spent here each year!
But not everything ages like fine wine: by 2020, most shops had faded away, leaving just a couple of eateries, a flea market, a tough old bar, and the heroic original, Restaurant Ribis, still grilling away. Soon, big plans were dreamed up: new apartments on top, a kindergarten on the roof, a facelift to honor Aarne Ervi’s original style, and even more homes where the parking house once stood. Rumor has it, part of the roof will echo with children’s laughter again. Heikintori’s story proves you can’t keep a good shopping center down-even one with a few wrinkles!
