Large-scale retail and leisure complexes today form part of the Moscow city landscape. But it took bold acts by Crocus Group to introduce the concept to the Russian capital: first in 1997, with the opening of the Tvoy Dom hypermarket; and later with the opening of the iconic Crocus City Mall in 2002, which eclipsed all previous developments.
Located in the picturesque Myakinino Valley of the Moskva river, Crocus City Mall offers 2 levels and 61 000 m2 of exclusive boutique shopping: from jewellery and luxury watches, clothing and accessories, to spas and limousines. It boasts a 3km long main hallway-cum-tropical park, with real palm trees, flowers and cicadas, pool, falls, cascading fountains, and other exotic forestry.
When it opened, Crocus City Mall was declared the “best development project of the year”. Of course, many so-called experts were initially sceptical. There was doubt the center would be able to stimulate demand for luxury goods and shopping experiences; or indeed attract interest from international brands. Today, however, such debates are thankfully in the past. It is clear that Russian shoppers in increasing numbers view shopping the way we do: as an art form.