Visit Santa at Mission Valley in his holiday home located on the lower level in AMC Theatre Court from Friday, November 17 through Sunday, December 24.

November 17th - December 24th

Santa

Photos with Santa

Maybe you want to get dressed up for New Year’s Eve or you prefer to celebrate in the comfort of yourown home. Regardless of where you welcome the new year, these are some of the go-to fashion looksto consider:

 Sequins: A quintessential NYE look! Wear a sparkly dress or pantsuit to that party and embrace

the sequins.

 Strappy dresses: New Year’s parties are the best time to whip out the strappy, backless dresses.

Black, gold, champagne – look for a dress in this color scheme to take your holiday look to thenext level.

 Chic pajamas: Staying at home doesn’t mean you can’t get dolled up (in comfort). Wear some

luxurious and cozy pajamas to ring in the new year.

Statement jewelry: Instead of buying a new outfit, consider splurging on a piece of statement

jewelry that will dress up any look instantly.

Silk: Shift dress, pantsuit, pajamas – silk is comfortable and adds to the luxury factor at any New

Year’s festivities.Get ready for your New Year's parties and celebrate in any of these essential pieces!

Dec 28, 2022

Spotlight

Must-Have Fashion for New Year’s Parties

As we find ourselves inching closer to the final stretch of the holiday season, shoppers are scrambling to find those perfect gifts for loved ones. Occasionally, before all can be merry and bright, the shopping search can be stressful and frustrating. This is where small businesses can swoop in and make all the difference for holiday shoppers in transforming the experience.  

 

When customers shop in store,  businesses can create a memorable experience and establish a genuine personal connection that can’t be achieved while shopping online. Here are five ways to bring holiday cheer once again to customers to create a successful December shopping experience: 

 

Provide impeccable customer service

Kindness and compassion should always be at the heart of each holiday season, and the holiday shopping experience should be no different. Customers remember the stores where employees treat them like family. Beyond the notable friendly and helpful staff, consider what extra touches your store can bring to each guest that reminds them of the quality of customer service your team provides. Try to remember regular customers by name, assist them in finding the perfect gifts by asking for details on who they may be shopping for, provide product samples if they’re hesitant to commit, and bring on that free gift wrapping. 

 

Personalize the shopping experience

Consider hosting VIP-only sales or shopping events. This could include opening the store early or closing late for VIP customers who sign up for a customized shopping experience in the store. Let the VIP invite a small group of friends and be prepared with a sign that welcomes them by name as well as with treats to share. To attract even more VIPs who may not be able to commit to a specific time, simply having special discounts for these loyal customers during the entire month can entice them back for a visit to your store. Overall, the goal is to make every customer, even if it’s their first time in the store, feel like a special guest. Bring opportunities to make every visitor feel seen and important. Make a wall display that lets customers write something they’re grateful for this holiday season to display, help them sign up for your email list, and remind them of upcoming promotions so they will jump at the chance to return.

 

Use social media to highlight in-store exclusives

Social media posts are great for reminding customers of daily deals and promotions that can be found both in store and online, but don’t be afraid to take pictures of your seasonal displays and proudly show off the ambiance that can only come from visiting the store. Is there certain merchandise that flies off the shelf so quickly that it can only be purchased in person? Are certain daily deals offered for in store shoppers only? Perhaps shopping in the actual store can provide customers with a bounceback offer valid for their next return. While shopping online is certainly convenient, remind shoppers why the personal touch of shopping in person can be even more beneficial in the long run.

 

Partner with other stores

Holiday shoppers are more than likely going to need to visit multiple stores. You can help them have a more meaningful experience by partnering up with other local shops to create cross-promotional offers. If you want to be even more festive, consider a scavenger hunt that requires visits to multiple stores with a promotion or prize at the end. Multiple stores can also join together in creating a holiday bundle that includes a bestseller from each store. These kinds of deals will help drive traffic to all of the nearby businesses and help every storefront be successful during the shopping season. 

 

Build relationships 

When it feels like a brand truly listens to and values its customers, it creates a lasting relationship. Take feedback from customers, notice trends in sales to restock important items, send out birthday emails to frequent shoppers, and express gratitude with every person’s visit. Customers appreciate transparency and honesty in their shopping experience as well, and the trust you establish will help you create a loyal following of shoppers.  As busy as everyone is, sending handwritten cards to your VIP customers to show your appreciation will remind them of how important they are to you!

 

In Conclusion

In the same way that the holidays are a time to relax with loved ones, the prior shopping experience should be able to attract just as much joy and care for everyone involved. While shoppers are always hoping for convenience, it’s the true connection that only an in store shopping experience can bring that will transform their holiday shopping experience. Let’s make it a memorable one!

Dec 09, 2022

5 Ways to Improve Your Customer Experience This December  

As winter approaches and images of hot cocoa, snuggling up in cozy blankets, and snow begin to swirl around, so begins our planning of the inevitable last-minute holiday shopping season. For the small business owner, this is both a nerve-wracking and exciting time. With a little preparation, and some extra teamwork, any worries of chaos can easily transform into cheer.  As exciting as the impending sounds of a busy store may be, businesses need to be as prepared as possible for the increased customer presence. Here are some strategies that can help you feel as ready as possible for the month ahead:

 

Prepare your staff

It’s important that your employees are prepared to greet the influx of shoppers during this holiday season. You may also need to hire seasonal employees to help with the demands of greater foot traffic and potential extended hours. While this can be a huge help to full-year employees, it’s essential to train your new hires early and ensure they continue representing your store with impeccable customer service. Make sure everyone is prepared with the knowledge of seasonal holiday promotions you plan to roll out and possible additional services you may provide, such as gift wrapping.

 

Organization is key

When the bustling crowds arrive, the last thing you want to be doing is scrambling to find where you placed your box of extra bags, or where your latest shipment of receipt paper disappeared to in your stockroom. Find logical spaces for each necessary item to go before the holiday season arrives and leaves you with stressed employees and customers. Your back room should be your sanctuary during this season - make sure it's well maintained and equipped with all of the essentials. Don’t forget that organization can also include online strategies. Ensure that your software is up to date, that you can easily track inventory, and that your system is up to the challenge of frequent sales.

 

Spruce up your space

Although you may have stocked up on additional supplies for the season, make sure to find room for those materials in storage (which should be organized already) and keep the store itself free from clutter. As more customers enter, they should feel free to roam around without too much crowding by other people or the items for sale. In order to avoid chaos, generate intentional spacing for shoppers to easily flow around the store. 

 

…and then add some festive flourishing! 

Avoid being labeled the Grinch of the mall, and be sure to let the holiday spirit shine. Once you feel your store is set up in the best way for sales, it’s time to then enhance it with some decorative pizzazz. Decorating your storefront will draw customers in, and having an inviting ambiance inside will make them want to stay. Plan a night where your employees can stay late to help display holiday garlands and baubles. Create holiday playlists to add festive cheer and watch those bustling shoppers glow in the warmth of feeling merry and bright. 

 

Create a strong holiday marketing campaign

Whether you use Instagram posts, email updates, or social media ads, it’s necessary to prepare an enticing holiday promotion early on to share through these channels. Think about what kind of sales or freebies you’d like to offer to your customers, and then use your creativity on social media to further attract your audience to visit your shop. Don’t be afraid to post frequently and to highlight what makes your store unique and special during this holiday season. Although there is a clear goal to attract new customers, don’t forget to remind your loyal customers why they should stick around too. Consider a rewards program that can benefit frequent shoppers, perhaps with extra perks during the holiday shopping season.

 

In Conclusion

Remember that a little extra prep work can go a long way in making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible this holiday season. Don’t forget to be proud of the value of your store and services, as well as its traditions that you can continue to enhance during the most wonderful time of the year. ‘Tis the season, and with a few added efforts, this season can be your most successful yet. 

Nov 28, 2022

Your Last Minute Holiday Season Checklist for Small Retail Businesses

Meet & greet Santa and the gang and enter to win a FREE Santa photo package!

Saturday, 12/2, 9:00AM-12PM, AMC Theatres Court.

Breakfast treats from Panera Bread and Corner Bakery Cafe.

Appearance from Santa 9:00AM-10:00AM

Enter to win a FREE Photo Packages, gift cards to Mission Valley favorites and more!

Free visits with Mrs. Clause, Frosty The Snowman, The Elf on the Shelf and more.

Ornament crafting station, outdoor games, fun photo moments.

Reserve a Spot

Event

Breakfast With Santa and Friends 

Mission Valley is partnering with Chabad of Downtown San Diego for its first-ever Hanukkah Under The Stars event, located in the Nordstrom Rack Court. Enjoy the Menorah lighting at 5:30 PM, plus live acoustic music, strolling magicians, and outdoor games. Express holiday spirit at the Dreidel craft station. Indulge at the sweets stations from Mission Valley favorites and kosher desserts from Parisien Gourmandises. Donate $5 to Toys for Tots to have a chance to spin the wheel and win gift cards to local Mission Valley retailers.

 This event is FREE and open to the public. Reserve a Spot Here

December 12, 2023 | 5PM-8:30PM

Hanukkah Under The Stars

Visit Santa at Mission Valley in his holiday home located on the lower level in AMC Theatre Court from Friday, November 17 through Sunday, December 24. 

RESERVATIONS

To make a reservation and pre-purchase a photo package, click HERE.

Reservations are recommended but not required. Walk-ups are always welcome and will be accommodated on a space-available basis.

SANTA HOURS*

Monday through Friday 11am-7pm (break 3pm - 4pm)

Saturdays 10am - 8pm (break 3pm - 4pm)

Sunday 12pm-6pm (break 3pm - 4pm)

Christmas Eve 9am-4pm (break 1-2pm)

CLOSED Thanksgiving 

Click here to view full calendar.

*Times are subject to change. Santa takes milk and cookie breaks as needed.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Pet Photo Nights: 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11 from 4pm - 7pm 

Sensory-Friendly Santa: Sunday 12/3 from 10am - 11am

SANTA PHOTO PRICING

Photo packages start at $39.99. 

Book reservations in advance to receive one free personalized phone call from Santa before your visit.

Click here to view all photo package pricing. 

COUPONS

-$5 OFF Package A for active & retired military. Must show Military ID at the cash register.

CONTACT

For more information, please contact the Mission Valley Management Office at (619) 296-6375 during business hours (M-F 8:30am - 5pm).

November 17 - December 24

Centennial Real Estate Management L.L.C.

Mission Valley is a retail complex consisting of a traditional open-air shopping mall in San Diego - California.

<p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cdn.placewise.com/Westfield/missionvalley/files/62105-24-CEN-22x28-SANTAhours-MissionValley.pdf">SANTA HOURS</a></p>

Photos with Santa

Breakfast With Santa and Friends

Hanukkah Under The Stars

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