Carrefour, the largest hypermarket and supermarket chain in Georgia which Majid Al Futtaim owns the exclusive rights to operate in the country, will be redesigning its branch located near Kolmeurneoba (collective farming) Square within the GTC Shopping Center, to fuse nostalgia with innovation – paying a living tribute to Tbilisi’s rich past while continuing to serve the evolving needs of the community. The project stands as both a commercial renovation, and a cultural revival.
Carrefour has long been a familiar and trusted presence in the daily lives of Georgians, and this initiative reaffirms its role as a steward of local heritage and shared identity. In a concept that bridges tradition and modernity, the renewed branch will pay homage to the old Tbilisi market, merging a century of local trade culture with world-class retail standards.
“Buildings like this — that revive sentimental memories and narrate forgotten stories of old Tbilisi — are nearly extinct today. Their aesthetic remains only in archives and the city’s collective memory,” explains Givi Machavariani, the project’s architect. “We conducted deep research and sourced information from every possible avenue. Key stylistic elements were then carefully integrated into Carrefour’s brand identity, giving birth to a concept that is both emotionally rich and commercially vibrant.”
Design elements, including mosaic, ceramics, enamel, old bricks, and concrete, have been intentionally preserved to create an immersive experience that evokes a meaningful journey through time. In addition to being a functional space, the store reflects Carrefour’s belief that the retail environment can inspire emotional connection, celebrate cultural identity and create a sense of civic pride.
Architect Tengiz Alaverdashvili adds: “During our historical research, we discovered that the building’s stained-glass partitions had once been replaced, stripping it of its identity. Restoring the original glazing style was essential to recapturing the spirit of the period.”
David Karkashadze, Country Manager at Carrefour Georgia, commented: “This project is a heartfelt tribute to Georgia’s rich history and cultural identity, and we are proud to bring it to life in the heart of Tbilisi. By weaving traditional design elements and local storytelling into the shopping experience, we’re honouring the past while reinforcing our long-term commitment to this region and its people. For over a decade, Carrefour has been part of the fabric of everyday life in Georgia, and this is a continuation of that journey.”
The market near Kolmeurneoba Square—historically known as Orbeliani Square—has long been a central part of Tbilisi’s commercial and social life. Established in 1828 as Post Square, it has served various communities through changing times and names, from Soldier’s Market, to the Soviet-era collective farmers’ market, which gave rise to the name “Kolmeurneoba” (meaning “collective farming”). The market became a Sunday gathering point for locals, bustling with soldiers and citizens selling everything from produce to personal items. It is even reputed to be the site where Tbilisi’s first Christmas tree was sold.
While the area has since seen major redevelopment, including a public garden, foundation, and the Carrefour supermarket, it retains the charm of its historic 19th and 20th-century architecture, with multiple structures preserved and designated as Cultural Heritage Monuments. The presence of Carrefour in this space represents a seamless bend of past and present, bringing renewed relevance to the square while supporting the day-to-day needs of the community. Today, Orbeliani Square continues to be a vibrant part of Tbilisi, blending its rich history with contemporary urban life.
Set to be completed by the end of the year, the Carrefour branch reconstruction is a powerful example of how a retail space can preserve and celebrate the city’s cultural identity. While renovations are underway, the store remains fully operational, ensuring uninterrupted access to essentials for customers who have long counted on Carrefour’s presence.
Through this project, Majid Al Futtaim Retail reinforces Carrefour’s deepening role in Georgia as a trusted destination for quality and value, and as a space that nurtures community and honours shared history. Every detail, from the architecture to the in-store experience, invites Georgians to reconnect with their heritage and rediscover the stories woven into everyday life — in short, a shopping destination with a story to tell.
By Team GT
