Business & Tech
The Mall in Columbia is All Dressed Up for the Holidays
Santa Claus is taking requests and the holiday retail season is in full swing.
If you’ve been to The Mall in Columbia during the past week or so you’ve likely noticed two things.
First, the crowds of shoppers are getting thicker.
Second, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
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Between the holiday retail rush and the opening of Santa’s village, is a busy place these days.
Mall General Manager Katie Essing said she's looking forward to what she calls "The Super Bowl" for retailers.
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Every mall storefront is leased and will be open before the holiday season is over, according to Essing.
“It looks like we should have a strong season,” she said.
There are a number of events at the mall between now and the New Year that will also draw crowds to the mall.
The holiday concert series will run every Friday evening through Dec. 16. The concerts are free and will feature family-friendly music from local community groups.
Santa’s village is open in center court, where children can have their picture taken with the big guy.
Special events include Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 3 and Saint Nic’s Pet Pics each Monday through Dec. 12.
On Dec. 2 and 4, the Sensitive Santa Photos event will provide children with autism a special quiet time visit with Santa.
The few days leading up to Christmas are typically the busiest days for the mall, Essing said.
The mall can be a busy and hectic place during the holiday season. Some people might find navigating their way through the crowds difficult. Essing said mall management has been working to make it easier to get in and out of the mall.
Parking is particularly challenging during peak shopping hours, Essing said. To make parking less frustrating, the mall will offer valet parking at the L.L. Bean entrance during the busy season.
Essing said shoppers should expect the mall to be busy but taking your time and enjoying the season are good ways to keep the crowds from getting to you.
“It’s always good just to have a little extra patience,” she said. “But it’s really fun to be here with all the festivities.”
