By K.D. Norris
Woodland Mall announced this week that “to keep West Michigan safe without sacrificing the holiday spirit,” the Kentwood area shopping mall will offer a variety of options for a “Holiday Your Way” experience that allows the community to partake in the season’s traditions however they feel most comfortable.
Accommodating preferences for visiting the mall in person, virtually, or a combination, Woodland Mall will continue hosting annual events such as photos with Santa and Black Friday shopping. But in-person shopping will come with enhanced safety options to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as limited-contact shopping options have been extended and expanded throughout the season.
“There’s no doubt holiday traditions and shopping will look different this year, but we are working to create safe and fun options for our community,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said supplied material. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on the magical experience this season, so Woodland Mall is providing opportunities for everyone to partake in person, virtually or with greater physical distance from others.”
Photos with Santa, other holiday options available
Santa has returned to Woodland Mall’s Arctic Forest and will be present through Dec. 24 “to listen to every child’s Christmas wish and/or, new this year, read them a book,” according to the announcement. And while Santa will not be giving hugs or high-fives this year, children of all ages are invited to sit on a bench next to him to ensure everyone can stay healthy “and Santa can safely deliver presents on Christmas Eve.”
While photos with Santa will be available, Children, families and all Santa’s helpers will be required to wear face coverings that can be removed briefly for photos.
Also, families choosing to stay home can also video conference with Santa this year.
“Fur babies” — family pets — are again welcome to visit with Santa this year on Mondays through Dec. 15. All sorts of pets are able to meet Santa, as in the past he has met West Michigan cats, chickens and even goats. All pets may join as long as they are kept on a leash or in a crate at all times.
Tuesday nights from Nov. 24 to Dec. 8 will feature a special character meet-and-greet with superheroes, princesses and other surprise friends. The themed photo opportunities will be offered from 5-7 p.m. and include a gift with every photo purchase.
To eliminate crowds and lines, appointments must be made prior to meeting with Santa for all those visiting whether in person or virtually. Appointments can be made online at shopwoodlandmall.com.
Shopping Black Friday and more
Woodland will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, to allow retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their family. But the mall will reopen at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, with increased safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning with products recommended by the CDC.
To complement Black Friday shopping, the mall will host 12 Days of Deals Dec. 1-12 via Facebook events. The events will showcase exclusive and limited offerings from retailers throughout the mall. Those following the virtual events will be notified of these deals each day.
Woodland Mall will additionally continue offering limited-contact options and services throughout the season. For those who prefer shopping in person but are wary of the holiday crowds, several stores, including Von Maur, J. Crew and the newly opened White House Black Market, will offer times with personal stylists after hours. TempurPedic will also offer individual appointments after hours.
Retailers participating in the mall’s Mall2Go: Contact-Free Pickup program will provide pickup and delivery options for those choosing not to enter the mall.
Gifts wrapped for a good cause
The mall will also offer gift wrapping in the Von Maur wing, as Woodland Mall has partnered with several nonprofit organizations to provide this free service for gifts large and small in exchange for a cash donation. (Charities wishing to participate may register online.)
“Supporting our local economy has become particularly important throughout the pandemic,” McCabe said in supplied material. “Holiday Your Way has made it easy for people to choose how they shop at Woodland Mall and we are doing everything we can to make it easy for people to stay safe.”
The mall will also offer extended hours this holiday season, but also urge shoppers to “skip the crowds, shop Monday through Thursday when traffic is at a lighter pace.”
For more informant on Woodland Mall, visit shopwoodlandmall.com.
