Moscow mall recreates mini-replica of Times Square

MOSCOW, June 10 (UPI) -- Philips Lighting helped the VEGAS Crocus City mall in Moscow build a scale model replica of Times Square in the middle of the shopping center.

Philips supplied the lighting that shines 16 million different colors, it is the same technology used in the Empire State Building and the London Eye. It's complete with the billboards, televisions, and the TKTS podium.

"This ambitious project included a media facade and a unique light design that mimics the shopping area of Times Square, demonstrating the growth of our business as well as our local expertise. That's why we are truly proud of what we have achieved today," said Marina Tyschenko, the head of Philips Lighting in Russia and CIS.

The new mall is an effort to keep up with Moscow's growing retail industry and compete with other shopping centers in the country.

"We aimed to build a shopping mall which would not have an equivalent in Russia," said Emin Agalarov, the vice president of Crocus City Group. "The media facade and lighting decoration to resemble Times Square reveal remarkable opportunities in commercial application and for guests' entertainment."