State Department Store, Ulaanbaatar

The State Department Store, commonly known in Mongolian as “big store”, is one of Ulaanbaatar’s most significant shopping landmarks. This imposing seven-storey building, built in a style shaped by Soviet architectural influences, reflects Mongolia’s mid-20th-century heritage and its economic evolution.

Inside, you’ll find virtually everything you need: from Mongolian and international fashion labels, premium local cashmere, electronics, and household goods to a full supermarket, souvenir stalls, and more. Food vendors, cafés, and comfy resting areas are sprinkled throughout, adding to its appeal as a place not just for shopping but spending time.

Its history stretches back to the early 1920s, when construction was begun with Soviet assistance. The first store-known then as the Central Store-opened in 1924. Over the years, its location and appearance have shifted: in 1933 it moved into a different building, and then in 1961 it was moved into the current building that many visitors see today.