On the evening of March 14, 2025, residents of Yekaterinburg were shocked to witness the vandalism of the building located at 104 Kosmonavtov Avenue, where the popular 'Magnet' supermarket used to operate before its closure over the summer of 2024. Eyewitnesses reported seeing unknown individuals breaking windows and throwing furniture from the second floor, causing considerable damage to the once-frequented establishment.
According to reports from local media outlet E1.RU, the scene was chaotic as children were seen participating in the vandalism. One resident noted, "Children broke and smashed glass, throwing everything out of the second floor." Their actions highlight not only the vandalism itself but also raise concerns about the behavior of the youth and the lack of supervision. Many passersby expressed their disappointment at the turn of events, recalling happier times when the supermarket was still operating and serving the community.
The supermarket had served as a staple of the community for many years. Locals often reminisced about its convenience and offerings, making its closure last summer all the more painful. One resident lamented, "It was popular, so locals are upset about what happened," hinting at the spectrum of emotions surrounding the supermarket's fate. Now, the building stands empty and neglected, without any foreseeable future, as it has remained vacant for over half a year.
After the closure, the property remained under the ownership of the Dixy supermarket chain, which had owned it since it closed down. Even though it has been leased out, the future remains uncertain, igniting discussions among the community about what should ideally take its place. Suggestions have varied widely from establishing new educational facilities, like art and music schools, to proposals entirely unrelated to education, such as turning it once again toward retail with fulfillment centers for online shopping giants like Wildberries and Ozon. The diverse proposals reflect the community's hope for rejuvenation and utility after the abandonment of such a sizable space.
Discussions among the community members have been rife with ideas. Suggestions have included the establishment of a metro station, enhancing transportation access; a veterinary clinic, proposing services for local pet owners; and oddly enough, plans for correctional facilities aimed at rehabilitating youth offenders. One commenter wished for the return of accessible dining options akin to those previously found within the supermarket, envisioning another community hub for gathering.
Public sentiment reflects greater concerns as well. Many residents expressed frustration over the increasing trend of larger supermarket chains swallowing up local businesses, emphasizing how this phenomenon diminishes the local economy. One local opined, "It seems like we're losing our local charm to big chains — something needs to be done before it’s too late." Their concerns are not unfounded, as over the last few years, numerous smaller shops have faced closure due to large-scale competitors taking market share.
After the vandalism occurred, city officials seemed unprepared to address the aftermath or the future for the site. E1.RU reached out to the municipal administration for comments on the incident and the building's future but received no definitive plans. This lack of communication raises alarm bells for locals, worried about what might come next for the spot they once cherished for shopping, socializing, and gathering.
The fate of the destroyed supermarket is still uncertain, yet this incident reflects broader societal challenges faced across urban contexts, involving crime, local governance responsibility, and the preservation of community ties. Residents hope for clarity from their local government as community members anxiously wait to see what will become of the space.
While the story is still developing, the community's resilience shines through, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue about revitalizing the area and fostering community spirit. Conversations about replacement ideas might just be the first step toward reclaiming this part of Yekaterinburg, turning it back from neglect toward positive growth.