It's Swatch Time in Times Square

The Swatch Group Ltd. (Bern, Switzerland) has revealed that its new-concept store in New York's Times Square has been selling nearly 1500 units per week since it opened in May at the corner of 45th and Broadway.

The watch-maker says the store “sees more than 1000 shoppers on a rainy day, and more than 5000 on a sunny Saturday.”

Based on this success, the company says it plans more than 100 new and renovated stores in 2003 with the new “Jelly Fish” concept worldwide. New locations to look for in the U.S. include Houston, Orlando, San Francisco and San Antonio.

The store design features bright colors, high-polished materials, an interactive light system, giant clocks and a 'conveyor belt' carrying both new and collectible Swatch watches. The company says the concept “is based on the spirit of transparency: light columns change colors to produce translucent effects and the polished, mirrored ceiling and sparkling floor give a feeling of grandeur.”