Center Court: ’Tis the Season – A Convenient Holiday Experience at PREIT Malls
It’s that time of year again: shoppers are buzzing throughout the mall, crossing off their gift lists and searching for the best deals. Today’s holiday experience is about more than shopping; it’s also about spending quality time with family and friends to create memories during the season.
According to PREIT’s 2016 Shopper Survey, 62 percent of consumers like to shop around and enjoy other activities while at the mall – particularly during the holidays, everyone needs a break and we take great pride in the diversity of the opportunities to take shopping break at our properties. According to ICSC’s annual survey, 85% of shoppers plan to research online prior to making purchases in-store, leaving them with more time during the hectic holiday season.
We kicked off the season our signature Santa Fest event, held in mid-November, when we welcomed Santa to the mall and offered craft activities, festive music, games, snacks from the North Pole, dancing and singing holiday characters, and of course photos with Santa. The festivities will continue across our properties over the next several weeks. We also introduced new décor at 2 of our marquee properties this year – Cherry Hill and Woodland Malls.
At Cherry Hill Mall, nostalgic décor and an engaging Santa experience offers an interactive journey of the timeless classic – “A Christmas Story.” The only experience of its kind in the country, Philadelphia-area visitors can travel back to 1983 through Ralphie Parker’s family home and slide their way to jolly Old Saint Nick. Shoppers at ALL PREIT malls can also simplify their Santa experience with a Santa Photo Fast Pass, shortening the wait time by reserving your spot in advance to minimize stress and maximize shopping, hopefully leaving additional time for fun.
A CHRISTMAS STORY and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co. (s17)
Don’t go through the season without taking a break – another fun option, in addition to seeing the brand new Star Wars at one of the many theatres in our portfolio or getting together with your friends for a drink and some snacks to unwind after a busy day of shopping at one of our restaurants can be found at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia. Located at Plymouth Meeting Mall, open for its first holiday season, LEGOLAND is hosting its Holiday Bricktacular from November 25 until December 31. Visitors can see LEGO Santa, build LEGO ornaments and even see MINILAND Philadelphia transform into a winter wonderland. Visitors can also stop by our new Build A Bear kiosk where children can get inspired by the season of giving and create a friend for a sibling.
We are also ensuring that the holiday experience is inclusive for everyone by offering Pet Family Photos every Monday through December 18; many of our properties are also hosting sensory-friendly Santa events, offering special needs children the opportunity to connect with Santa in a controlled environment for a fun, welcoming and more comfortable experience.
We are also focusing on our most loyal shoppers with special benefits this holiday season. Our PREIT Perks reward program members are invited to join us for a weekend of exclusive offers, cash back and discounts during our first ever Member Weekend. On Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, members can enjoy perks and offers ranging from preferred parking, free gift wrap, free refreshments, $50 in automatic Rewards Cash, and more.
So as we kick into high gear for the holidays, come visit our properties for family fun, brand new retail offerings like coveted fast fashion brands, off-price treasure hunt experiences…and get rewarded for spending money through our PREIT Perks program!