"The Seattle Times reports today in its print edition that Microsoft Corp. may open a retail store in New York City's Times Square with a four-story space at One Times Square being a potential location for the store.

A Microsoft spokeswoman refused to comment on the rumor saying that: "At any given time, Microsoft evaluates and pursues real-estate opportunities and needs. Out of respect for all parties, and a desire to not perpetuate rumors, we do not have a comment on this at this time."

A broker representing One Times Square declined to confirm Microsoft's plans, but acknowledged that "that caliber of company" is interested in the 18,000-square-foot space.


In 2001, Microsoft chose Toys "R" Us Times Square as the official launch location for Xbox in North America where Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft Corp., was on site to greet the first gamer in line at the store and to play with other gamers who were eagerly awaited the system. Times Square's electronic billboards illuminated the New York cityscape with the Xbox logo and visuals.

Would we permanently see the Xbox 360 rings in Times Square starting this November? Only time will tell."