“Empty counters, long queues and bad-tempered shop assistants are in indication of the fact that you are in a state-owned shop. A larger assortment of goods, higher prices and helpful shop assistants are indicative of a cooperative or second-hand goods shop. Town Hall Square, Viru Street and others are shopping streets where you can find wares of national character, works of art, souvenirs. Tallinn possesses one large department store which is located in the same square as the Viru Hotel.”
– M. Aru, L. Oll, K. Toomel, Tallinn – A Practical Guide, Revalia Publishing Ltd, Tallinn, 1990
