Background

Built in 1971, in the centre of Tbilisi (architect G. Potskishvili), the capital of the Soviet Georgia, Pirimze was specifically designed to house numerous forms of manufacture, repairs and services. Spread over six floors, in a maze of tables, chairs and workspaces, this edifice housed numerous repair shops. Shoes, watches, glasses, jewelry, bags, zippers, suitcases, belts, hairdryers, kitchen appliances and many more, virtually everything could have been repaired at Pirimze. Knives and scissors could have been sharpened, hair could have been cut and shoes polished. Furriers and tailors could customize clothing from fur, leather or cloth for individual clients. Pirimze was known throughout the city; customers used to come from all over, even from the villages outside the city for the use of its services.

In 1995, the status and ownership of the building changed from state ownership to a shareholding enterprise. In 2003, the enterprise declared bankruptcy; consequently, a part of the building was put up for an auction and sold by the state. In 2007, following the eviction of all employees, the building was reconstructed.

Pirimze

Pirimze

Pirimze

Just as the Soviet Union broke up into different countries after its collapse, Pirimze exploded and smaller workshops with identical names sprung up where the debris fell. These workshops are scattered in a neighborhood where old Pirimze used to be. They all use the same name in order to claim their identity and prove their authenticity as former Pirimze employees. Built to house a new shopping centre, reconstructed Pirimze Plaza now stands where the old building stood, claiming the same name and fame the former Pirimze enjoyed in the past.

Pirimze Plaza

Scattered workspaces around Pirimze Plaza