Mall Removes Photo Package Purchase Requirements At Its Santa Attraction
By Justin Udo
CHERRY HILL, N.J., (CBS) -- After backlash from shoppers for their charging for children to just see Santa Claus, officials at the Cherry Hill Mall are changing their tune.
Mall officials were charging $35 for kids just to see Santa Claus.
And for a full picture package you would have to shell out $50.
"We had some negative feedback on our pricing structure earlier this week and we've since amended that to no longer require a photo package purchase for those who just want to visit Santa," said Ashlyn Delson with PREIT, the company that does brand marketing for the mall.
Delson says they wanted to make sure they put their customers and the kids first as so everyone can enjoy their holiday experience.
"This is really what the holidays are about. It's about making everyone happy and enjoying the experience of coming to the mall and visiting with Santa," said Delson.
Mall officials say picture package prices will remain between $35 and $50, but now it's free for everyone to tell Old Saint Nick what they want for Christmas.
Cherry Hill Mall management released the following statement:
"Our customers and their mall experience is our number one priority. After last year's wildly successful debut of "Adventure to Santa – A DreamWorks DreamPlace," at Cherry Hill Mall, we decided to bring back the interactive journey for families to enjoy this holiday season.
A truly unique Santa experience, Dream Works' "Adventure to Santa" at Cherry Hill Mall is an immersive, interactive 17-20 minute attraction that takes families on a trip to the North Pole to see Santa –and is one of only 12 locations in the nation.
In the spirit of the holiday season, we want to keep things festive and bright. We have heard and value our loyal customers' feedback and as a result, have decided to remove the photo package purchase requirements.
We appreciate our loyal customers and will continue to incorporate social and compelling experiences into the mall environment throughout the year for all to enjoy. We hope families from around the region check out this must-visit holiday destination at the Cherry Hill Mall and also visit our other traditional Santa experiences at our six sister properties in the Philadelphia region."