The Galerija Centrs shopping arcade in downtown Riga is a fitting symbol of Latvia’s transformation from a former Soviet republic to the fastest growing state in the European Union.

The once dowdy department store – opened in 1938 on the eve of the Soviet occupation – is now a western-style mall, with a lofty glass arcade, escalators, international brands and even a spa. Eight million shoppers – more than three times the country’s population – visited last year.